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:

What are these beautiful sandy waves?
9 Nov 2024Aït Benhaddou, Morocco
15 May 2024The Blue City of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
18 Oct 2023Canary Wharf tube station, London
Icon of the Highlands
Aug 29, 2023American bison, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
22 Nov 2025Leshan Giant Buddha, Sichuan, China
Home of racing legends
14 Apr 2024Bowling Ball Beach, California, USA
Bright blue lakes and rugged mountains
Sep 4, 2023Labor Day
19 Dec 2025Bormio, Lombardy, Italy
Where did you drop the fish, son?
14 Dec 2025Royal Pavilion, Brighton, England
4 Jun 2025Cala Luna beach, Sardinia, Italy
Portable portals into our imagination
23 May 2025World Turtle Day
13 Jan 2025Happy Welsh New Year!
The cliffs and canyons of Zion National Park
19 Sep 2024International Talk Like a Pirate Day
20 Dec 2025Christmas star lanterns, Germany
17 Jun 2025Maritime forest in Cumberland Island National Seashore, Georgia, United States
4 Oct 2025World Space Week
4 Nov 2025Tower Bridge, London
3 Aug 2025Blooming sunflowers
In the running
Nature at its colourful best
It’s party time
Come on, guys, this way!
26 Feb 2025Castle Stalker, Argyll, Scotland