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

Dec 29, 2023Oud-West neighbourhood, Amsterdam, Netherlands

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Oct 27, 2023Sligachan Old Bridge, Isle of Skye, Scotland
Nov 19, 2023Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve, Estonia
Sep 30, 2024Walruses in Svalbard, Norway
Jan 5, 2025Plum-headed parakeet
Jun 25, 2024Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada, USA
Sep 15, 2024Varenna on Lake Como, Italy
Sep 29, 2024West Cornwall Covered Bridge, Connecticut, USA
Apr 18, 2024Medieval city walls, Ávila, Spain
Dec 20, 2023Val Gardena, South Tyrol, Dolomites, Italy
Apr 8, 2025Piazza Maggiore, Bologna, Italy
Sep 28, 2024Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida, USA
Mar 17, 2024St. Finians Bay, County Kerry, Ireland
Jul 13, 2024Fairy chimneys and cave dwellings in Cappadocia, Türkiye
Nov 21, 2023Grey seal pup
Aug 28, 2023Dubrovnik, Croatia
Sep 7, 2023Camels in the desert, United Arab Emirates
Sep 21, 2025Sea otters, Alaska
Sep 27, 2024Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, Venice, Italy
Sep 24, 2024Skaftafell, Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland
Aug 15, 2025Spotted eagle rays
Aug 22, 2024Ocean City, Maryland, USA
Sep 27, 2024Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, Venice, Italy
May 23, 2025Yellow-spotted river turtle, Amazon Region, Ecuador
May 3, 2024The Sonoran Desert, Arizona, USA
Apr 5, 2024The Bahamas
Oct 31, 2023Pumpkins and squashes
May 12, 2024Guanaco mother and baby
Jul 14, 2024La Geria wine region, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
Feb 23, 2024Haghartsin Monastery, Armenia
Jan 27, 2024Spot-billed toucanet, Brazil