Aerial view of Venice, Italy Jan 2, 2026

Seeing Venice from above is mesmerising, but this Italian gem"s true magic lies within its walls and waterways. Founded in the 5th century on a cluster of islands in the Venetian Lagoon, the early settlement rose from marshland to become a maritime powerhouse. By the Middle Ages, it had evolved into a major hub for trade between Europe and the East, fuelling immense wealth and cultural growth. The city"s grandeur shines through its Gothic palaces, Renaissance art and landmarks such as St Mark"s Basilica, the Doge"s Palace and the Rialto Bridge.

© Clement Leonard/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

Fit for a fairytale
Jan 2, 2024Prayer flags in Phobjikha Valley, Bhutan
Jan 2, 2025Ardez village, Graubunden, Switzerland

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Jun 20, 2024Summer solstice
One on land, a million in space
Nature’s own canvas
Feb 24, 2024Almond trees in full bloom, California, USA
Dec 23, 2024Dhamek Stupa, Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh
A cuddling pair of Taiwan yuhina
May 1, 2024Maharashtra Day
Dec 31, 2023New Years Eve!
Mar 25, 2025Tolkien Reading Day
Aug 10, 2025World Lion Day
Ever seen garlic bloom?
Dec 18, 2024English National Ballet performing The Nutcracker
Pearl among the emeralds
An island made from a vow
Sep 20, 2024Ocracoke Lighthouse on Ocracoke Island, North Carolina, USA
Oct 4, 2025World Space Week
Nov 21, 2024Lion cubs, South Africa
Dec 17, 2023Bohemian waxwings
Jan 5, 2026A herd of impalas, Londolozi Game Reserve, South Africa
Dec 7, 2024Orchha Fort complex, Orchha, Madhya Pradesh
Sep 12, 2023North Sea at sunset, Norddorf, Germany
Nov 18, 2025Male hooded merganser, Oregon, United States
A future built on the past
Jun 8, 2024Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska, USA
Dec 3, 2025Sandhill cranes, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico
Jan 13, 2025Happy Welsh New Year!
Twinkle twinkle, little bugs
Sep 25, 2025Chittorgarh Fort, Rajasthan
Urban planning never stops
Jun 6, 202581st anniversary of D-Day