Borobudur temple, Java, Indonesia Dec. 29, 2024

Borobudur temple, Java, Indonesia

Imagine a colossal puzzle made from over 2 million stone blocks—that"s Borobudur, seen in today"s image. Built during the 9th century in the reign of the Shailendra dynasty—an influential ruling family in Southeast Asia—it"s the world"s largest Buddhist temple, standing tall on the island of Java, Indonesia. This ancient sanctum has withstood centuries of natural challenges, including volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, thanks to its advanced interlocking stone system. Historically, Borobudur was an important pilgrimage site. After being abandoned for centuries, it was rediscovered in the 19th century by the English lieutenant governor Thomas Stamford Raffles.

© Robertharding/Shutterstock

palette

Today in History

The butterfly effect
Dec. 29, 2023Oud-West neighbourhood, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Dec. 29, 2025St. Gregory Church in Ani Ruins, Kars, Türkiye

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Apr. 30, 2024Cheetah in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania
Oct. 18, 2025International Archaeology Day
Mar. 30, 2025Sydney Harbour, New South Wales, Australia
May 8, 2024Marseille welcomes to Olympic torch
Among the cedar and spruce
Getting starry-eyed at the moon
Feb. 4, 2025Golden Bridge, Bà Nà Hills, Da Nang, Vietnam
Aug. 16, 2024Canadian National Exhibition 2024
Farewell, Ma’am
Dec. 17, 2024Traditional red fishermens cabins, Reine, Norway
Gateway to Latin America
Festive foliage in the garden
Meet for lunch?
Racing through the five boroughs
A triumphant pose
The sun sets on the Valley of the Moon
Dec. 19, 2024Sibiu Christmas Market, Romania
Celebrating the Scottish bard
Aug. 24, 2024Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, Maine, USA
Feb. 18, 2026Przewalskis horses
Jan. 22, 2026Karlovy Vary, Bohemia, Czechia
A puzzle for giants
Feb. 9, 2026Amur leopard cat, Russia
Dec. 15, 2024Lake Misurina, Dolomites, Italy
Sep. 21, 2025Sea Otter Awareness Week
To the infinite and back
A smooth landing, feet first
Oct. 15, 2024Great wildebeest migration at Mara River, Kenya
Pastel perfection
Sep. 22, 2024Autumn equinox