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

The butterfly effect
Dec. 29, 2023Oud-West neighbourhood, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Dec. 29, 2025St. Gregory Church in Ani Ruins, Kars, Türkiye

More Desktop Wallpapers:

An endless stretch of sky
Aug. 19, 2024Two Atlantic puffins in Elliston
And so it begins!
Mar. 26, 2024Vinh Hy Bay, Vietnam
Jan. 12, 2024Bukhansan National Park, South Korea
Trails leading to the gateway of nature.
Oct. 27, 2023Sligachan Old Bridge, Isle of Skye, Scotland
Little Island, Big Sea
Jan. 31, 2026International Zebra Day
Mar. 3, 2024World Wildlife Day
Nov. 21, 2024Aspen trees, British Columbia
Oct. 23, 2023Corn maze in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania
Dec. 20, 2023Val Gardena, South Tyrol, Dolomites, Italy
May 23, 2025World Turtle Day
A delightful day for donkeys
Feb. 26, 2024Grand Canyon National Park, USA
Sep. 13, 2025Point Reyes National Seashore, California, United States
Stunning symmetry
Dec. 15, 2024Lake Misurina, Dolomites, Italy
Jul. 12, 2024Mount Rainier National Park
A butterfly’s best friend
When just a pinch of salt won’t do
Urban planning never stops
Jun. 9, 2025Old City of Dubrovnik in Dalmatia, Croatia
When being in a rut is OK
Straight out of a fairytale
Mar. 2, 2026Harbour and longtail boats at Ko Samui, Thailand
May 13, 2024Fish River Canyon, Namibia
Oct. 15, 2024Great wildebeest migration at Mara River, Kenya
Feb. 2, 2026Groundhog Day