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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Fall for birding
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Craters of the Moon centennial
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Tour de France
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Squirrel Appreciation Day
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Happy Independence Day!
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Cordouan Lighthouse, France
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National Museum of African American History and Culture
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A tribute to the ancestors
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International Tiger Day
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Giant kelp in the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary
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Ahh-tumn
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Think deep thoughts
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Reflecting on one of the world s strangest rivers
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The Giants Causeway, Northern Ireland
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Life in the slow lane
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National Park Week begins
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Happy International Beaver Day!
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Wandering Watkins Glen
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Piazza IX Aprile, Taormina, Sicily, Italy
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Celebrating World Olive Tree Day
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Gray days ahead in Monterey
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International Tea Day
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National Take a Hike Day
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It’s Endangered Species Day
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Did they forget to fly south?
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A most sincere pumpkin patch
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The Tour de France begins
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Wooden path to Kennedy Lake, Vancouver Island, Canada
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Cenote near Puerto Aventuras, Mexico
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Alaska moose
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