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:

The origin of Canadas national parks
Gravity-defying wonders of the world
Jun. 14, 2025Cinque Torri, Dolomites, Italy
An underwater paradise to explore
Nov. 5, 2024Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil
Zebras enjoying their day
Jan. 5, 2024International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, Harbin, China
Aug. 16, 2024Canadian National Exhibition 2024
Urban planning never stops
Nov. 19, 2024Tasmans Arch, Tasman National Park, Tasmania, Australia
Feb. 25, 2026Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska, United States
Oct. 15, 2025National Mushroom Day
Oct. 25, 2025Martimoaapa Mire Reserve, Finland
Jul. 8, 2025Seceda, Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy
Apr. 19, 2025Zion National Park, Utah, United States
Sep. 14, 2023Przewalskis horses, Hustai National Park, Mongolia
Dec. 6, 2024Finnish Independence Day
May 12, 2024Mothers Day
Jan. 4, 2025Bản Giốc – Detian Falls, Vietnam
Jul. 13, 2025International Rock Day
Dec. 5, 2025Maya site of Copán
Aug. 7, 2025Monoliths of the Mingan Archipelago, Quebec
9,000-year-old handprints
Oct. 16, 2023Golden larches and Prusik Peak, Enchantments, Washington
Spirit of the Puffing Wind
The road less taken?
Colours of Colorado
Dec. 26, 2024Boxing Day
Apr. 9, 2025Naxos, Cyclades, Greece
Don’t look down!