Flooded crypt, Basilica of San Francesco, Ravenna, Italy 6 Jan 2025

Flooded crypt, Basilica of San Francesco, Ravenna, Italy

In the Italian province of Ravenna lies the Basilica of San Francesco, recognised for its beauty and historical significance. This Romanesque church, originally built in 450 CE, features a sturdy square bell tower added in the 9th century, enhancing the basilica"s exterior. Its design features three naves, divided by two rows of 12 columns each. Featured in today"s image is the basilica"s real showstopper: the basement crypt, or a burial chamber, is a stunning model of early religious design. Complete with vaulted ceilings that slope down into rows of stone columns, its floor is a work of art itself. It"s inlaid with beautifully intricate mosaic tiles that have withstood the test of time.

© Andrea Pucci/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

West of Windermere
6 Jan 2024Oud-West neighbourhood, Amsterdam, Netherlands

More Desktop Wallpapers:

4 Jun 2024Chestnut-headed bee-eater, Bardia National Park, Nepal
Ahead of the curve
6 Jul 2025Tour de France
Aug 28, 2023Dubrovnik, Croatia
A temple to treasure
A wave of remembrance
A day for cousins of every stripe
23 Mar 2025World Meteorological Day
30 May 2024Everglades National Park, Florida, USA
A triumphant pose
16 Mar 2025Baby giant panda in China
27 May 2025Mona Vale rockpool, Sydney, Australia
17 Apr 2025Andean cocks-of-the-rock, Ecuador
18 Jan 2025National Winnie-the-Pooh Day
14 Sep 2023Przewalskis horses, Hustai National Park, Mongolia
Shark Awareness Day
In fine feather
14 Jan 2025Village of Zahara de la Sierra, Cadiz, Spain
18 Dec 2024English National Ballet performing The Nutcracker
8 Oct 2023World Octopus Day
20 Nov 2023World Childrens Day
15 Nov 2024Yi Peng lantern festival, Chiang Mai, Thailand
1 Sep 2024Totally Thames Festival, London
3 Oct 2025Glen Brittle, Isle of Skye, Scotland
20 Nov 2025World in Progress by artist Saype in Geneva, Switzerland
31 Dec 2024Hogmanay
3 Jun 2024World Bicycle Day
5 May 2024Happy Cinco de Mayo!
29 Aug 2025Aerial view of Plaza Mayor, Madrid, Spain
An underwater paradise