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:

Aug. 12, 2024World Elephant Day
You otter check this out
May 20, 2024Victoria Day
Aug. 10, 2024Joshua Tree National Park, California, USA
Mar. 21, 2024International Day of Forests
A different kind of toucan
Jun. 20, 2025Summer solstice
The beauty that lies below
Jan. 26, 2026Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany
A blue-tiful island
Ive got a lot of problems with you penguins!
Mar. 5, 2025Khao Sok National Park in Thailand
A time-worn medieval marvel
Hot enough to howl
Jun. 13, 2025Canadian Grand Prix 2025
Let’s have a lek, see?
A public restroom or a tourist spot?
How sweet to be a star, floating in the blue.
Aug. 23, 2025St. Barbaras Cathedral, Kutná Hora, Czechia
Flying the flag for Pride
Dec. 17, 2023Bohemian waxwings
Black sands in a tropical paradise
Birthplace of the Renaissance
Misty mountain hop
Jellies in a world of their own
Oct. 21, 2025Happy Diwali!
Sep. 26, 2025Least chipmunk, Kootenai National Forest, Montana, United States
Dec. 26, 2025Boxing Day
A book lover’s paradise
Stripes in sight