Plaza Mayor, Renaissance square in Valladolid, Spain
Plaza Mayor is a rectangular square in Valladolid surrounded by continuous arcaded porches supported by granite pillars and columns. This uniform architectural pattern creates a harmonious enclosed space along all sides.
After the devastating fire of 1561, King Philip II commissioned architect Francisco de Salamanca to reconstruct the square. This rebuilt plaza became one of Spain's first grand squares designed according to a unified urban plan.
The square displays a prominent statue of Count Pedro Ansúrez, the city's founder, created by sculptor Aurelio Carretero in 1903. The statue anchors the center and serves as a daily reminder of the person who established Valladolid.
The square is completely surrounded by arcades that provide shelter from sun and rain, making walking around pleasant. The flat surface is easy to navigate and well-suited for leisurely strolling or sitting and observing.
The square's design became a template for numerous town squares across Spain and South America during the 17th century. This pattern of organized urban planning allowed many cities to create modern, cohesive civic centers.
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