Borobudur temple, Java, Indonesia Dec. 29, 2024

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

The butterfly effect
Dec. 29, 2023Oud-West neighbourhood, Amsterdam, Netherlands

More Desktop Wallpapers:

May 28, 2025World Otter Day
Dec. 9, 2023Los Glaciares National Park, Patagonia, Argentina
Oct. 3, 2023Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Australia
Aug. 16, 2025World Honey Bee Day
Love is in the snow
Sep. 5, 2023Mount Segla, Senja Island, Norway
Blood moon
Jul. 21, 2025Coral Reef Awareness Week
Nature’s own canvas
May 8, 2025World Donkey Day
Feb. 25, 2025Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, United States
Sep. 16, 2024Wallabies at sunrise, Australia
Mar. 6, 2024Wahclella Falls, Oregon, USA
The ancient home of the Minoans
May 17, 2025A delta in the Venetian Lagoon, Italy
Sep. 3, 2025Grizzly bears at Katmai National Park and Preserve, Alaska, United States
Happy New Year’s from down under
Feb. 3, 2024Carnival of Venice
A mountaintop cultural wonder
Aug. 6, 2024Molokini crater, Maui, Hawaii, USA
Sep. 1, 2024River Thames, London, England
Who’s snoozing?
Jun. 28, 2024Stonewall uprising anniversary
Dec. 13, 2024Christmas market, St. Stephens Basilica, Budapest, Hungary
Oct. 27, 2023Sligachan Old Bridge, Isle of Skye, Scotland
Misty mountain hop
Home of the ‘world’s worst smelling food?’
Nov. 9, 2025Carl Sagan Day
What are these predators doing?
Jan. 2, 2025Ardez village, Graubunden, Switzerland