These squares are listed in hundreds of guidebooks, they are visited annually by millions of tourists, and each is famous for its own indescribable atmosphere.
In today's Top 10, we have collected the most famous squares in the world... The most interesting for fans of history and architecture will be the squares of old European cities, and for those wishing to plunge into the heart of a huge metropolis, New York's Times Square is suitable.
10. Old Town Square in Prague
The ancient square in the XII century was a large market at the crossroads of important trade routes. Today the square is surrounded by facades of houses in different architectural styles, and in the center is the City Hall, on which the famous Prague Astronomical Clock was installed in 1410. Every hour crowds of tourists gather here to see a small puppet show that takes place around the clock face.
9. Piazza San Marco in Venice
In Italy this square is known simply as “Piazza”. San Marco is the lowest point in Venice and is often completely flooded as a result of heavy rainfall. One of the attractions of the square are flocks of pigeons, which tourists feed on with the grains sold here and just bread crumbs.
8. Times Square in New York
This square is unique - there are video screens, LED signs and hundreds of flashing lights everywhere. Times Square is most impressive in the dark, although during the day you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a huge lively city.
7. Tiananmen Square in Beijing
This is one of the largest squares in the world - its dimensions are 1000x500 meters. The name of the square translates as "The Gate of Heavenly Peace". The largest number of people gather here at 5 am when the national flag is raised.
6. Plaza Mayor in Madrid
Centuries ago, this place was located outside the city walls and served as a bullfight. Today, the square has become an organic part of the Spanish capital, surrounded by attractions such as the beautifully painted Casa de la Panaderia and the former bakers' guild building.
5. Place de la Concorde in Paris
This famous square is located between the Tuileries Gardens and the equally famous Champs Elysees. The peculiarity of this place is that it is not built up around the perimeter of buildings, therefore, magnificent views of the streets of Paris open up from here.
4. Trafalgar Square in London
The square is located in the center of the British capital and is an important transport interchange. In the center of the square stands the famous Nelson's Column, crowned with a statue of the great admiral. Surrounding the square are buildings of the London National Gallery, St. Martin's Church and several embassies. Since 2000, London City Hall has been working hard to rid the area of many pigeons.
3. St. Peter's Square in the Vatican
The main decoration of the square is St. Peter's Cathedral. In the center of the square, there is a tall Egyptian obelisk brought to Rome during the time of Emperor Augustus in the 1st century BC. Crowds of Catholics regularly gather in the square to listen to the Pope's speeches.
2. Parisian Square in Berlin
The square square is located in the historical center of the city. The main attraction of this square is the Brandenburg Gate. It is Paris Square that is crowned by the famous boulevard Unter den Linden. According to a special government order, the maximum height of buildings around the perimeter of the square does not exceed 22 meters.
1. Red Square in Moscow
Red Square has long become the main attraction not only in Moscow, but throughout Russia. St. Basil's Cathedral, Historical Museum, Mausoleum and the Kremlin's long brick walls attract millions of tourists. The unique architecture of this ensemble is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Red (that is, "beautiful") square received its modern name by the end of the VXII century.