HIB: Juliet's Balcony
It’s the month of February and we all know that one special day of the month! Valentine’s day is the day to celebrate love and relationships. What better place than the city of love to celebrate Valentine's day this year. Verona, Italy has many spots all over the city that are linked to the most iconic couple and star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet. Of the many links to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, the most popular and romantic spot is Casa di Giulietta - the House of Juliet.
What is a Juliet balcony?
It is important to note that a Juliet balcony is different from the large walkout balcony you typically see in apartment buildings. A Juliet balcony is more shallow and provides security or a guard to sliding or french doors so that natural light and fresh air can come in when the doors are open. In the past, a Juliet balcony has been a stone structure but as materials and styles have changed so has the look of a Juliet balcony. Metal Juliet balconies are very popular and more modern Juliet balconies have become either an all-glass balcony or a glass balcony with a handrail.
How Can I Build a Juliet Balcony?
Looking to have a Romeo and Juliet moment of your own? Here are a few steps to follow along so you can build a metal Juliet balcony of your own! Before starting, remember this would be a project where you could benefit from a helping hand.
1. Use a ladder or depending on the height of your window a scissor lift, to access the outside of your window or door where you are installing your Juliet balcony. Once you have reached your window/door, measure the distance from one side of your frame to another. To account for the balcony being mounted on the brick or wood of each side of the frame, add 12 inches ( 6 for each side) to your total measurements.
2. Position the balcony grating over the window/door where you would like to mount it. Use a level and place it on the top railing until the bubbled is centered to ensure your balcony is level. To ensure precise placement of your balcony, measure each side from the window/door frame to the end of the railing, ensuring both sides are equal and the balcony is centered. To make this step easier, have an assistant hold the grating or railing in place from the inside of your home.
3. Once the balcony is in place, using the mounting holes on the balcony grating as a guide, drill holes into the facade of your home. If you have a brick home use masonry drill bits to secure the balcony. If you have a wooden home, standard wood drill bits can be used.
4. Lower the grating to the ground, or slide it through the window or door.
5. Next, fill masonry epoxy into the mounting holes and then push the wall anchor into the mounting holes. Using a hammer, firmly tap the anchors into the mounting holes.
6. Call your assistant back and have them hold the balcony grating back into position. Insert the mounting screws through the mounting hole on the balcony brackets. Using a power screwdriver, tighten the screws.
7. If your particular model has a platform, mount the bottom platform to the side brackets of the balcony with a socket set. Insert the mounting bolts through the mounting holes on the bottom of the side brackets and into the platform mounting holes. Finally, tighten with the socket set. Now you have a Juliet balcony of your own!
Is Juliet’s balcony real?
I’m sure the thing we are all dying to know is if this house and balcony are the ones linked to the infamous play? Unfortunately, no. The Shakespeare play, Romeo and Juliet, is a fictional story, and like the story, so is Juliet’s house. The play however does take place in Verona, Italy and therefore still holds and contributes to the romantic setting of the balcony and city. Juliet’s House was actually previously owned by the Dal Capello family, commonly known as the Cappelletti, a very similar name to Shakespeares' Juliet Capulet. The Dal Capello family sold their home in 1905 to the city, later they then declared it as Juliet’s House. Later, the famous balcony was built and added to the home in the 20th century. Although Juliet’s House is not the actual house from the Shakespeare play it is definitely worth the visit because love is in the air!
Can I visit Juliet’s Balcony?
The courtyard at Juliet’s House is free for the public to enter. With a small fee, guests can enter the house that has been set up as a mini-museum with rooms staged as scenes from the play, such as Juliet’s bedroom which connects to her balcony as well as the ballroom where Juliet and Romeo meet. Once inside the house guests can take pictures on the balcony, but be careful what time you go at because it can sometimes have a lineup, especially around Valentine’s Day! Aside from Juliet’s balcony be sure to check out the numerous love letters and locked hearts from all the romantic souls who visited. Finally, you can’t miss Juliet’s statue, for a little luck in your love life all you have to do is rub her right breast.
Whether based upon fiction or not, we can all agree that this should be your next place to visit if you are a romantic at heart and appreciate a good love story. With walls completely covered with love letters, phrases, and names of lovers who have visited, love is certainly in the air. Happy Valentine’s day!
