While the oldest streets of Barcelona may be an eclectic web of Gothic, modernist, and whimsical Gaudí architecture, in stark contrast, the layout of its Eixample district is extremely orderly. Owing its grid pattern to Spanish urban planner Ildefons Cerdà, who wanted to overcome the city’s overcrowding problem during the 19th century, the octagon-shaped blocks were designed to maximize sun exposure and improve air circulation around the streets.

Now see other parts of our wonderful planet photographed from above

Europe’s Cityscapes, Parks Viewed From Above Will Take Your Breath Away