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
More Desktop Wallpapers:
-
Cypress trees in George L. Smith State Park, Georgia, United States
-
Three Natural Bridges, Wulong National Park, China
-
Swaledale sheep in North Yorkshire, England
-
Glacier National Park, Montana
-
Castlerigg Stone Circle, Cumbria, United Kingdom
-
Boreal owl
-
Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, Lamphun, Thailand
-
Iguazu Falls seen from Paraná, Brazil
-
Great grey owls
-
Knuthöjdsmossen nature reserve, Sweden
-
Beaver
-
Hozugawa River in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan
-
Archway Islands, Wharariki Beach, South Island, New Zealand
-
White trilliums in Ontario, Canada
-
Death Valley National Park, California, USA
-
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California, USA
-
Gwalior Fort, Madhya Pradesh, India
-
Temple of Hathor, Dendera Temple Complex, Qena, Egypt
-
Jackson Square, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
-
Eurasian lynx, Siberia
-
Banggai cardinalfish
-
Turquoise waters of the Bahamas
-
Dusky eagle-owls, Pakistan
-
St. James Tidal Pool, Cape Town, South Africa
-
Maritime forest in Cumberland Island National Seashore, Georgia, United States
-
North American beaver, Denali National Park, Alaska, USA
-
Sandstone formations in the badlands near Caineville, Utah, United States
-
Surfer riding a wave in Nazaré, Portugal
-
Greater flamingos
-
Hawaiian lei flower garlands
Bing Wallpaper Gallery

