Spiegelgracht canal in Amsterdam, Netherlands 15 Dec 2025

Have you ever wondered how canals changed the way cities developed? For thousands of years, people have built canals to transport goods, control water flow and connect places. From ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt to medieval Europe, they transformed cities like Venice and Bruges into trade hubs. The Netherlands took this even further—by the 17th century, they were designing waterways that shaped cities such as Amsterdam.

© Amith Nag Photography/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

Beautiful Borovets
15 Dec 2023SantaPark, Lapland, Finland
15 Dec 2024Lake Misurina, Dolomites, Italy

More Desktop Wallpapers:

1 Aug 2024Floating fruit market, Kaptai Lake, Rangamati, Bangladesh
19 Nov 2023Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve, Estonia
Hello, is it tea you’re looking for?
28 Nov 2023Giving Tuesday
15 Dec 2025Spiegelgracht canal in Amsterdam, Netherlands
13 Oct 2023Vieste, Apulia, Italy
8 Aug 2025Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
3 Oct 2025Glen Brittle, Isle of Skye, Scotland
28 Oct 2025The Gothic Gate in the Adršpach-Teplice Rocks, Czechia
11 Jan 2024Eurasian lynx
Blue hues and ceramic scenes of Porto
24 Apr 2025Spire Cove in Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward, Alaska, United States
17 Nov 2023Meon Hill, Gloucestershire
22 Dec 2023December solstice
26 Nov 2024Celebrating World Olive Tree Day
Sport where you least expect it
How can we help at-risk animals?
A record-breaking reign
12 Nov 2023Diwali
Remember, remember…
28 Sep 2023World Maritime Day
21 Sep 2025Sea Otter Awareness Week
Stunning symmetry
29 Mar 2025Superbloom in Carrizo Plain National Monument, California, United States
27 Feb 2026International Polar Bear Day
A deadly coast
A peck between penguins
18 Jan 2024Winnie the Pooh Day
10 May 2026Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada
7 Feb 2024St James Tidal Pool, Cape Town, South Africa