Aerial view of Plaza Mayor, Madrid, Spain Aug. 29, 2025

Aerial view of Plaza Mayor, Madrid, Spain

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.

© AirPano LLC/Amazing Aerial Agency

palette

Today in History

Aug. 29, 2023Zelenci Nature Reserve, Slovenia
The sea that acts like a lake
Aug. 29, 2024Castellfollit de la Roca, Catalonia, Spain

More Desktop Wallpapers:

To the infinite and back
Dec. 13, 2023Svolvaer, Lofoten Islands, Norway
Part science experiment, part public park
Jul. 25, 2025Colourful houses of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
Where two continents meet
Apr. 2, 2024Beech trees and anemone wildflowers, Jutland, Denmark
Jun. 24, 2024Kelimutu, Flores, Indonesia
Sep. 21, 2024Oktoberfest, Munich, Germany
Apr. 4, 2025Taktsang Palphug Monastery, Bhutan
Oct. 19, 2023Mekong River Delta, Long An, Vietnam
An oasis in the desert
Jan. 24, 2024Diamond Beach, Iceland
May 10, 2025Minnesota State Capitol, St. Paul, Minnesota, United States
Apr. 10, 2024Siblings Day
Aug. 31, 2025Scotts Bluff National Monument, Gering, Nebraska, United States
May 25, 2024Aït Benhaddou, Morocco
Jan. 22, 2026Karlovy Vary, Bohemia, Czechia
Do pandas enjoy winter?
May 17, 2024Endangered Species Day
Aug. 21, 2025Wheatear, Peak District National Park, England
Nov. 3, 2024International Day for Biosphere Reserves
Sep. 22, 2024Autumn equinox
A dramatic celebration of peace
Mar. 10, 2024Daylight Savings
Dec. 9, 2023Los Glaciares National Park, Patagonia, Argentina
High above the Aegean Sea
Aug. 26, 2024Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, Central Pacific Ocean
Feb. 29, 2024Leap Day
Oct. 13, 2024Royal Alcázar of Seville, Spain
A grand view