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

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
Aug 29, 2026Aerial view of surfers, Santa Catarina, Brazil

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Oct. 21, 2024Cypress trees in George L. Smith State Park, Georgia, United States
The ‘Old Bridge,’ reborn
Jun. 11, 2024A group of Southern gemsbok in the savannah, Botswana
A vibrant, sun-drenched island
Sep. 3, 2024Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington, United States
The sea that acts like a lake
A ghost on the mountain
Sep. 5, 20242024 Toronto International Film Festival
Reflecting its stylish past today
A glowing square of squares
Jun. 25, 2024Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
Do pandas enjoy winter?
Dec. 7, 2024Lake Ontario, Toronto, during winter
A breathtaking cave when it’s cold
Feb. 9, 2025Alstrom Point, Lake Powell, Utah, United States
Jul. 18, 2025Orosei, Sardinia, Italy
Big rocks, big heads, still counting?
The envy of postcards and snow globes
Dec. 2, 2023Angkor, Cambodia
Jan. 7, 2024Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve, Australia
Aug. 4, 2025Great grey owls in their nest, Finland
There’s more to Pisa than leaning towers
One rare streak
Oct. 3, 2025Glen Brittle, Isle of Skye, Scotland
When just a pinch of salt won’t do
Jan. 25, 2026Burns Night in Scotland
May 11, 2024World Migratory Bird Day
Oct 8, 2026World Octopus Day
Jan. 4, 2024Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California
Jul 1, 2026Canada Day