FX.co ★ 7 most beautiful world's city squares

Plaza de Armas, Santiago, Peru

In ancient days, majestic palaces and temples of the Inca Empire were located on this square. However, the peaceful pace of life of Indian tribes was interrupted by the 16th-century Spanish expedition. The Plaza de Armas became a powder warehouse and the place of the Spanish conquistadors' allocation. That is why it was called the Armory square.

Nowadays, the main historical buildings and unique monuments are located in the clean, tree-lined square where locals and visitors like to relax.

Times Square, New York, USA

Times Square is the most recognizable place in New York and one of the most popular sights in the United States. It is often called the square "the crossroads of the world". A lot of theaters, boutiques of famous brands, shopping centers, well-known publishing houses, and offices of major corporations are located in this city square.

Numerous billboards are the distinctive feature of this place: at night (on New Year's Eve and other bright events) they illuminate the whole area attracting hundreds of thousands of people to the square.

Naqsh-e Jahan, Isfahan, Iran

Naksh-e Jahan square occupies about 9 hectares. Its name translates as "half of the world".Thanks to its cultural, religious and historical significance, the square is equal to other ancient buildings of the Persian Empire. In old times, equestrian competitions were held there. Today it is a favorite place of rest for the Iranians.

Naksh-e Jahan square was opened at the turn of the 16th-17th centuries. At that time, Isfahan was the capital of Iran. Naqsh-e Jahan, as well as the Shah mosque, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, palaces of Caesarea and the Ali Kapu, are included on the UNESCO world heritage list.

Grand Place, Brussels, Belgium

The holiday fair in the heart of Brussels is held twice a year at the Grand place's square. During these periods, a visitor can relax, savour the local chocolate and enjoy the view of a giant begonias flower carpet, completely covering this amazing place.

Additionally, this place is famous for its Gothic art masterpieces, rooted in the medieval history (the 14th-century Town Hall and the King's House), as well as the luxurious Guild Houses built in the Baroque style.

Since ancient times, the Grand Place was the venue for all the significant events in the city, saw many rulers and statesmen, great people and celebrities.

Piazza del Campo, Siena, Italy

The city's most beautiful palaces such as Palazzo Publico, Palazzo Sansedoni, and the famous Torre del Mangia are located on Piazza del Campo, the central square of Siena. Many tourists assemble near the amazing Fountain of Joy which adds grandeur to the architectural look of the square.

Since the middle ages, horse races without saddles, or Palio, have been held on this square. It is an exciting tournament that begins with a costume parade that invites local residents and guests of the city on Piazza del Campo. Nowadays, it is paved with red stones of various shades. If you lay on them, you may be blessed with luck as in Siena it is considered a good sign.

Tiananmen, Beijing, China

Tiananmen, or the Gate of Heavenly Peace, combines the features of the Communist and Imperial systems. This is one of the largest areas in the world (44 hectares) accommodating up to 600 thousand people. The history of its architectural look goes back to the 14th century.

In 1958, large-scale works were carried out to expand the area. In 1976, the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, the patron of the Chinese nation, was built on the spot of the demolished Tiananmen Gate. The rising and lowering of the national flag in the morning and in the evening are the most solemn parts of the ceremony.

Registan, Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Registan which means a sandy place is one of the most beautiful and ancient squares of Central Asia. The square is located in Samarkand. It looks as if it appeared from the One Thousand and One Nights fairy tale. Architectural lighting of the buildings completes this similarity.

Today it hosts all the major city events, concerts and festivals (for example, the international music festival Shark Taronalari).

The architectural ensemble of Registan consists of three madrasas (religious schools). Notably, they were renovated in Soviet Times. The pearl of the Middle East has existed for more than 600 years. It is under the special protection of UNESCO.