Seen from above, the uniform arcades and tiled rooftops of Plaza Mayor in Madrid—the capital of Spain—create a captivating architectural harmony. Once the site of a bustling market square known as the Plaza del Arrabal, this historic space has witnessed the city"s transformation over the centuries. The shift began in 1561, when the plaza came under Madrid"s jurisdiction after the royal court moved from Toledo. Inspired by a vision of order and grandeur, King Philip II reimagined the square—though construction did not actually begin until 1617, under the reign of Philip III.
Aerial view of Plaza Mayor, Madrid, Spain
Today in History
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Notre-Dame reopens
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Zion National Park turns 103
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Monfragüe National Park, Cáceres, Extremadura, Spain
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Wind-powered ice racing
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Tower Bridge, London, England
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Everglades National Park, Florida, United States
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The origin of Canadas national parks
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Telašćica Nature Park, Dugi Otok, Croatia
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Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
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Dunes at White Sands National Park, New Mexico
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Horse Head Rock, New South Wales, Australia
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All hail the mighty mangrove!
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Hang Sơn Đoòng, Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, Vietnam
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Big Bend National Park, Texas, United States
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Blue-throated toucanet, Los Quetzales National Park, Costa Rica
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Squirrel Appreciation Day
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Old City of Dubrovnik in Dalmatia, Croatia
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World Pizza Day
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Butterfly, fly away
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Milky Way over Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park
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Male hooded merganser, Oregon, United States
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