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

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Huddled and hunting
Sep. 8, 2025International Literacy Day
Sep. 19, 2025Thousand Islands region, St. Lawrence River, USA-Canada border
Dec. 26, 2024Boxing Day
Nov. 5, 2023Playa del Silencio, Spain
Dec. 23, 2024Celebrating Festivus
We’ve identified these ‘flying objects’
Up and away!
Mar. 11, 2024Koala sleeping in a eucalyptus tree, Australia
Oct. 29, 2024Great horned owl
Dec. 6, 2023Computer Science Week
May 5, 2024Kalaloch Tree of Life, Olympic National Park, Washington, US
Nov. 14, 2024Manarola, Cinque Terre National Park, Liguria, Italy
Apr. 13, 2025Songkran—Thai New Year
Jun. 9, 2025Old City of Dubrovnik in Dalmatia, Croatia
Aug. 3, 2025Blooming sunflowers
Oct. 1, 2023Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park, British Columbia
A flashy, frigid waterfowl
Zion National Park turns 103
Birthplace of the Renaissance
Mar. 15, 2025Pacific Rim Whale Festival
The ‘eighth wonder?’
Aug. 3, 2024Three Natural Bridges, Wulong National Park, China
A legend sprung from the ground
Oct. 17, 2024Kochia, Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan
Dec. 15, 2024Lake Misurina, Dolomites, Italy
City of ice
Hovering over harmonious horticulture
Eyes on the skies
May 28, 2024The Monastery of Roussanou, Greece