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

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 into two rows of 12 columns each. Featured in today"s image is the basilica"s real showstopper: the basement crypt, or 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

‘The hills have a power to soothe and heal...’
Jan 6, 2024A male chaffinch in a crab apple tree
Jan 6, 2026Nuuk, Greenland

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Aug 19, 2024Raksha Bandhan
Dec 5, 2025Maya site of Copán
Apr 24, 2025Spire Cove in Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward, Alaska, United States
Dec 2, 2024Moose, Denali National Park, Alaska, United States
American Red Cross pioneers
A bridge that holds up history
Zebras enjoying their day
Aug 7, 2024St. Joseph North Pier Inner and Outer Lights, Michigan, USA
Feb 13, 2024Marigny, New Orleans, USA
Apr 27, 2024Leucistic Annas Hummingbird
Gateway to Iberia
America’s backyard
Protecting earths biodiversity for everyone
Jul 8, 2024Blueberries growing in the wild
Ride the wave
The Jewel of Hampi
Oct 27, 2024Polar Bear Week
Where two continents meet
Feb 29, 2024Leap Day
Dec 1, 2025Antarctica Day
Nov 30, 2023Isle of Skye, Scotland, UK
May 4, 2025Mysuru Palace, Mysuru, Karnataka
Mar 21, 2024International Day of Forests
Oct 19, 2023Durga Puja
‘The hills have a power to soothe and heal...’
Natures boost fruit
Desert daggers?
Dragon tails trail to the sea
Jewel of the Adriatic
Apr 1, 2025Tree frog, Costa Rica