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:

Jul. 29, 2024International Tiger Day
May 30, 2026Plains zebra foal in Etosha National Park, Namibia
Apr. 14, 2026Common clownfish in a sea anemone, Raja Ampat Islands, Indonesia
Jan. 7, 2026Old Rock Day
May 26, 2024Methow Valley, North Cascades, Washington
Oct. 10, 2025Fiji Day
Her legend and mystery endure
Jan. 8, 2024Bernina Pass, Graubünden, Switzerland
Feb. 7, 2026Salar de Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia
Aug. 15, 2024Hang Sơn Đoòng, Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, Vietnam
Dec. 21, 2025Winter solstice
Oct. 13, 2025Happy Thanksgiving!
Jun. 19, 2024Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya
Aug. 19, 2025Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Santa slalom
Nov. 4, 2025Tower Bridge, London, England
Jul. 11, 2024World Population Day
Giddy family fun
A fox in the dunes
Fly me to the moon
May 30, 2024Everglades National Park, Florida
Apr. 4, 2024Red lechwe, Okavango Delta, Botswana
Jul 4, 2026Kaysersberg, Alsace, France
Hide-and-go-seek world champion
Apr. 21, 2026European hedgehog, France
Nov. 8, 2024Glacial rivers, Iceland
Nov. 30, 2024Saint Andrews Day
Dec. 30, 2023Daiichi Tadami River Bridge, Fukushima, Japan
Wait, mountain—you shall bear my castle!
Apr. 4, 2026Black grouse males, Estonia