Like the apse of a Gothic cathedral, construction of the Punta Begoña Galleries began with this small south-facing pavilion. And, much like those great cathedrals, its design and proportions reveal an ambition to engage with the surrounding landscape and the public realm, rather than simply serving the private residence for which it was built.
It was here that new construction techniques were tested and innovative solutions devised to build the vast reinforced-concrete structure that protects the cliff face. It was also here that the first structural problems appeared. In 2022, the pavilion underwent a major engineering intervention to secure it to the rock beneath, using techniques that echoed those employed a century ago. All the work was carried out with great respect for the original structure, allowing visitors to enjoy this 20-metre promenade once again.
