Aerial view of Venice, Italy 2 Jan 2026

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

Icon of the Highlands
2 Jan 2024Prayer flags in Phobjikha Valley, Bhutan
2 Jan 2025Ardez village, Graubunden, Switzerland

More Desktop Wallpapers:

2 Apr 2024Beech trees and anemone wildflowers, Jutland, Denmark
28 Mar 2025Black-naped monarch
10 May 2026Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada
In the foothills of Snowdon
21 Nov 2024Lion cubs, South Africa
2 Aug 2025Cowes Week
Fragrant fields
Solo on the savanna
7 Feb 2024St James Tidal Pool, Cape Town, South Africa
The dog days of summer
17 May 2025A delta in the Venetian Lagoon, Italy
A stunning chamber for beautiful art
28 Sep 2023World Maritime Day
23 Jul 2025Vatican City, Rome, Italy
11 May 2025Yoho National Park, British Columbia, Canada
A window to the Pacific
Lighting the world
3 Jul 2025Rainbow River, Rainbow Springs State Park, Florida, United States
7 Oct 2025Autumn colours below Mount Sneffels near Ridgway, Colorado, United States
3 Aug 2024Three Natural Bridges, Wulong National Park, China
19 Aug 2024Huntington Beach Pier, California, USA
11 Mar 2025Broken Beach in Nusa Penida, Bali, Indonesia
3 Nov 2023World Jellyfish Day
Jewel of the Adriatic
2 Mar 2024Brit Awards
2 Mar 2026Harbour and longtail boats at Ko Samui, Thailand
23 Sep 2025Keel-billed toucan, Costa Rica
Perfect, pastoral Palouse
When only a hug will do
A prickly customer