Flooded crypt, Basilica of San Francesco, Ravenna, Italy Jan. 6, 2025

In the Italian province of Ravenna lies the Basilica of San Francesco, recognised for its beauty and historical significance. This Romanesque church, originally built in 450 CE, features a sturdy square bell tower added in the 9th century, enhancing the basilica"s exterior. Its design features three naves, divided by two rows of 12 columns each. Featured in today"s image is the basilica"s real showstopper: the basement crypt or a burial chamber is a stunning model of early religious design. Complete with vaulted ceilings that slope down into rows of stone columns, its floor is a work of art itself. It"s inlaid with beautifully intricate mosaic tiles that have withstood the test of time.

© Andrea Pucci/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

‘The hills have a power to soothe and heal which is their very own.’
Jan. 6, 2024Vermilion Lakes, Banff
Jan. 6, 2026Nuuk, Greenland

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Jun. 7, 2025International Trails Day
Gateway to Latin America
King of the jungle? Nope
May 4, 2024Star Wars Day
Aug. 9, 2024International Day of the Worlds Indigenous Peoples
Whats blooming so brightly?
Apr. 30, 2024Cheetah in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania
Oct. 24, 2023Füzér Castle in the Zemplén Mountains, Hungary
The butterfly effect
Jul. 30, 2025International Day of Friendship
Nov. 9, 2023Birch trees, Drammen, Norway
Apr. 24, 2025Spire Cove in Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward, Alaska, United States
Oct. 14, 2025Village of Oia in Santorini, Greece
Where did you drop the fish, son?
World Hippo Day, a giant celebration
Apr. 8, 2024Total solar eclipse
Dec. 4, 2023Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Jan. 20, 2026Penguin Awareness Day
Let the Great Backyard Bird Count begin!
May 30, 2025Little Pigeon River, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, United States
Preserving Alaskas natural beauty
Dec. 31, 2024New Years Eve in Ottawa
May 21, 2024International Tea Day
Aug. 22, 2024Aerial view of Ocean City, Maryland, USA
A gorge-ous place to drop in
Jun. 4, 2025Cala Luna beach, Sardinia, Italy
Aug. 16, 2025World Honey Bee Day
Blue hues and ceramic scenes of Porto
May 17, 2025A delta in the Venetian Lagoon, Italy
Jan. 30, 2025Vancouver International Boat Show