Seven most magnificent palaces in the world
The prestigious magazine Architectural Digest has published a ranking of the world's most beautiful palaces. Let us take a look at the buildings that topped this list
10 place: Zócalo, Plaza de la Constitución, Mexico City
Plaza de la Constitucion, commonly known as Zocalo, is located in the historical center of Mexico City. It is one of the largest squares in the world. The place traces its history back to the time of Aztecs. A huge Mexican flag occupies the center of the square. It is ceremoniously raised and lowered each day in front of the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace, and other historical buildings. The square is often used as the venue for many public events.
9 place: Old Town Square, Prague
The Old Town Square located in Prague, Czech Republic, features various architectural styles including the Gothic Týn Cathedral and Baroque Saint Nicholas Church. There is a lot of space to walk since most of Prague's streets are very narrow.
The main landmark of the square is Prague Orloj, located on the Town Hall, the oldest astronomical clock in existence (1410). The center of the square is occupied by the statue of religious reformer Jan Hus.
8 place: Plaza de Mayo, Buenos Aires
Plaza de Mayo has been the scene of the most momentous political events, for example, the venue for the 1810 revolution that has given independance to Argentina. The oldest monument of Buenos Aires is located here, the Pirámide de Mayo, next to the seat of the President of Argentina, the Casa Rosada, also known as The Pink House.
7 place: Piazza del Campo, Siena
The shell-shaped Piazza del Campo is located in the historic Italian town of Siena. The beauty and harmony of various classical buildings, such as the Town Hall and the tower Torre del Mangia, made it famous throughout the world. Its northwest edge is occupied by the magnificent Fountain of the World.
Besides, twice a year the square is covered with thick dust, as it hosts a horse race, in which the riders circle the square three times.
6 place: Trafalgar Square, London
The world-famous square was built to commemorate the victory of Lord Horatio Nelson against the navy of Napoleon in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The centre of the square is occupied by a large statue of legendary vice-admiral Nelson, surrounded by four big lion statues and a series of fountains.
5 place: Tiananmen Square, Beijing
The world's largest square is located in China. However, it became famous after a massacre of 4 June 1989 when the government responded aggressively to protests. The square is bordered by government buildings and various monuments, including the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong and the National Museum of China. Every day at dawn and at sunset, a ceremony of raising and lowering the national flag is held. It is a great honor for every Chinese to witness it.
4 place: Piazza San Pietro, Vatican City
Located directly in front of the famed St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City and dominated by the massive Tuscan colonnades, four columns deep, St. Peter's Square is the most famous in the human history. The square is where believers gather to seek the blessings of the Pope. Its center is occupied by an Egyptian obelisk installed in 1586. There exist a number of legends connected with it.
3 place: Jemaa el Fna, Marrakech
Every day, one of the main Moroccan landmarks overflows with street musicians, snake charmers, traditional medical practitioners, dancers and sellers of local products. Djemaa el Fna has witnessed the development and formation of the country's statehood and culture, tracing back to 12th century.
2 place: Red Square, Moscow
The Red Square situated in the heart of Moscow and Russia was added to the list of UNESCO world heritage sites in 1990. In the centre of Moscow, there is the St. Basil's Cathedral, the State History Museum, Lenin's Mausoleum and the Kremlin, the official residence of the Russian president. This square has witnessed many tragic historical events, that's why it is deeply related to the history and culture of the country.
1 place: Times Square, New York
The Times Square in New York City is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the USA, attracting tourists by the flashlights and the LED screens lighting up the square in night and daytime. It is also famous for the New Year's Eve ball drop that began in 1907. The square is located at the junction of Broadway and Seventh Avenue and that's why New Yorkers call it the center of the universe.
The prestigious magazine Architectural Digest has published a ranking of the world's most beautiful palaces. Let us take a look at the buildings that topped this list
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