Aerial view of Venice, Italy Jan. 2, 2026

Aerial view of Venice, Italy

Seeing Venice from above is mesmerising, but this Italian gem"s true magic lies within its walls and waterways. Founded in the 5th century on a cluster of islands in the Venetian Lagoon, the early settlement rose from marshland to become a maritime powerhouse. By the Middle Ages, it had evolved into a major hub for trade between Europe and the East, fuelling immense wealth and cultural growth. The city"s grandeur shines through its Gothic palaces, Renaissance art and landmarks such as St. Mark"s Basilica, the Doge"s Palace and the Rialto Bridge.

© Clement Leonard/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

Fit for a fairytale
Jan. 2, 2024Prayer flags in Phobjikha Valley, Bhutan
Jan. 2, 2025Ardez village, Graubunden, Switzerland

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Sep. 23, 2023Nuit Blanche Toronto
This lesson is going swimmingly
A public restroom or a tourist spot?
A peck between penguins
Dad on duty
Nov. 29, 2023Rockefeller Centre Christmas tree lighting
Sep. 17, 2023Cuban tody, Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, Cuba
May 13, 2026Arch and Milky Way, Alabama Hills, Sierra Nevada, California, USA
Jul. 9, 2024Talampaya National Park, Argentina
Why is this cliffside ablaze?
Hangin around
Jun. 2, 2025Fogo Island, Newfoundland and Labrador
Dec. 26, 2024Boxing Day
The top of Tennessee
A dramatic celebration of peace
Jan. 31, 2026International Zebra Day
Dec. 29, 2025St. Gregory Church in Ani Ruins, Kars, Türkiye
Jul. 2, 2024Italica, an old Roman city in Santiponce, Andalusia, Spain
Nov. 23, 2025Fibonacci Day
Trusty water-shifters
Jul. 8, 2024Blueberries growing in the wild
Jan. 13, 2024Road to Hana, Maui, Hawaii, United States
Jan. 11, 2024Eurasian lynx
Oct. 28, 2025The Gothic Gate in the Adršpach-Teplice Rocks, Czechia
Blue hues and ceramic scenes of Porto
Aug. 23, 2024Prasat Phanom Rung temple ruins, Thailand
Books are mans best friend
A shiver of sharks on the hunt
Jan. 24, 2024Diamond Beach, Iceland
Bungle beehives