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

Flooded crypt, Basilica of San Francesco, Ravenna, Italy

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:

Zion National Park turns 103
Jan. 13, 2025Happy Welsh New Year!
Apr. 2, 2024Beech trees and anemone wildflowers, Jutland, Denmark
Jun 10, 2026Hnausapollur crater lake, Fjallabak Nature Reserve, Iceland
May 15, 2024The Blue City of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
Surrounded by a sea of sand
A pink moon over Arizona
Apr. 19, 2025Zion National Park, Utah, United States
Dec. 7, 2024Lake Ontario, Toronto, during winter
Dec. 9, 2023Los Glaciares National Park, Patagonia, Argentina
Apr. 10, 2024Siblings Day
Nov. 3, 2023World Jellyfish Day
Oct. 3, 2025Glen Brittle, Isle of Skye, Scotland
Oct. 3, 2023Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Australia
Feb. 3, 2025Ribblehead Viaduct, North Yorkshire, England
A mountaintop cultural wonder
Dec. 8, 2025Christmas lights on buildings of Domaso, Lake Como, Italy
Nov. 30, 2024Saint Andrews Day
Dec. 21, 2023December solstice
Nov. 3, 2025World Jellyfish Day
May 11, 2024World Migratory Bird Day
Feb. 6, 2025Waitangi Day in New Zealand
Aug. 21, 2024Nazca boobies, Wolf Island, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Feb. 29, 2024Leap Day
Aug. 13, 2025Corona Arch near Moab, Utah, United States
What are these predators doing?
Sep. 9, 2024Iguazu Falls at the border of Argentina and Brazil
‘A sustainable and peaceful common future’
Let there be lights!
A dramatic celebration of peace