Borobudur Temple, Java, Indonesia Dec 29, 2024

Borobudur Temple, Java, Indonesia

Imagine a colossal puzzle made from over 2 million stone blocks—that"s Borobudur, seen in today"s image. Built during the 9th century in the reign of the Shailendra dynasty—an influential ruling family in Southeast Asia—it"s the world"s largest Buddhist temple, standing tall on the island of Java, Indonesia. This ancient sanctum has withstood centuries of natural challenges, including volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, thanks to its advanced interlocking stone system. Historically, Borobudur was an important pilgrimage site. After being abandoned for centuries, it was rediscovered in the 19th century by the English lieutenant governor Thomas Stamford Raffles.

© Robertharding/Shutterstock

palette

Today in History

Dec 29, 2018When science looks like magic
Dec 29, 2019Helloooooo, Innsbruck
Dec 29, 2020Where the glow of the holidays lingers
Dec 29, 2021Mountain goats
Dec 29, 2022Silver-studded blue butterflies
Dec 29, 2023Oud-West, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Dec 29, 2025St. Gregory Church in Ani Ruins, Kars, Türkiye

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Aug 8, 2022Pantaleu
Apr 17, 2018The Children’s Cultural Festival in Reykjavik begins today
Nov 25, 2025Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy
Sep 22, 2023World Rhinoceros Day
Aug 20, 2024Sunrise at Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Jun 6, 2020The long and wiggling path
Feb 5, 2025Scottish Blackface sheep, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
May 21, 2021Whoopin it up!
Feb 20, 2019An unlikely friendship in the wild
Jan 24, 2021These patterns tell a story
Aug 1, 2022Hawai i Volcanoes National Park at 106
Apr 8, 2021I m here! Take a look at me!
May 27, 2021Listening to the sea
May 12, 2020Nursing the world to health
Dec 20, 2024Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland
May 5, 2025Cinco de Mayo
Sep 5, 2019A lush, green escape
Jun 13, 2025Vila Franca Islet, São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal
Apr 4, 2023Roman bridge of Córdoba, Spain
Feb 26, 2019Snow on the temple
Oct 25, 2019The lemurs of Madagascar
Sep 15, 2024National Hispanic Heritage Month
Apr 12, 2025International Day of Human Space Flight
Jan 20, 2019It’s Penguin Awareness Day
Dec 11, 2023International Mountain Day
Oct 13, 2021Celebrating a young girl s age-old discovery
Jan 10, 2021China s colorful terraced pools
Jan 10, 2024Take the Stairs Day
May 9, 2020Here’s looking at you, teachers
Apr 6, 2025National Library Week