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Jul 23, 2024Methoni Castle, Messinia, Greece

Perched on a rocky headland is Methoni Castle, a symbol of medieval might situated on the shores of the Ionian Sea in southern Greece. The fortress is in Methoni, a village in the Messinia region. Built by the Venetians in the early 13th century, this castle was a key trading post and a defensive bastion, protecting the southwestern coastline from invaders. Its Bourtzi tower, an extension of the fortress standing on a small islet, was once connected to the main castle by a stone bridge.Desktop Version

Aug 10, 2024Joshua Tree National Park, California, USA

California"s Joshua Tree National Park, located where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet, has been home to various cultures for thousands of years. Its earliest known residents were people from the Pinto culture, who lived here from 8000 to 4000 BCE. Centuries later, this land was inhabited by the native Cahuilla, Serrano and Chemehuevi peoples. The park"s namesake, the Joshua tree, grows in a landscape covering 3,216 square kilometres. Despite their name, they are not really trees but rather a kind of succulent. Native to the southwest US and northern Mexico, they can grow up to 12 metres tall. Whether it"s hiking through Hidden Valley, visiting the Cholla Cactus Garden or marvelling at Skull Rock, this national park has a lot to offer. By night, it becomes a stargazer"s paradise, as seen in today"s image. Whether you seek adventure or a moment of tranquillity, Joshua Tree awaits with open skies.Desktop Version

Oct 22, 2024Palazzo Zuccari, Rome

At the top of the Spanish Steps in Rome, take a left underneath the imposing Catholic church. Down an unassuming side street, there"s a surprise waiting for you: a house of monsters. Welcome to the Palazzo Zuccari, a 16th-century palace where myths seem to come to life on its façade—grotesque faces swallow up its doors and windows. Federico Zuccari, who built the palace, was well-versed in monsters. His painting of the Last Judgement in Florence Cathedral and his illustrations of Dante"s Inferno are replete with mythical beings.Desktop Version

Mar 5, 2025Khao Sok National Park in Thailand

Today, we are in a wildlife-packed wonderland with rainforests older than the Amazon—Khao Sok National Park in Surat Thani province, southern Thailand. Established in 1980, the park is home to diverse wildlife, including the Malayan tapir, white-handed gibbon, gaur and hornbill, making it an ideal destination for anyone ready to swap city noise for jungle sounds. And then there"s Cheow Lan Lake—a reservoir created for hydropower in 1982 when the Rajjaprabha Dam was built. Over time, the lake transformed the landscape into something you"d think was straight out of a movie, as featured in today"s image. The dam, originally known as the "Cheow Lan Project," was later renamed Rajjaprabha, meaning "light of the kingdom," a tribute to King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who ruled from 1946 to 2016.Desktop Version

Sep 27, 2024Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, Venice, Italy

Steeped in history, the Santa Maria della Salute church in Venice is a prime example of Baroque architecture. Constructed between 1631 and 1687, the church was a votive offering for the city"s deliverance from a devastating plague in 1630. Built at the entrance to the Grand Canal, its dome dominates the Venice skyline, as seen in today"s image. Italian architect Baldassare Longhena envisioned this structure at the age of 26, and it became his lifelong project, which was completed after his death. The exterior of the church, with its volutes—spiral, scroll-like ornaments—and statues contrasts with the spacious octagonal interior adorned with works by Renaissance artists like Titian and Tintoretto. Each November, Venice commemorates the church"s significance during the Festa della Madonna della Salute, a cultural celebration that includes festive processions and offering of candles in gratitude for deliverance from the plague.Desktop Version

Jan 27, 2025Zoroaster Temple, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, United States

Carved by the Colorado River, nearly 2 billion years of Earth"s history are exposed in the layers of the Grand Canyon. While geologists continue to debate parts of the formation story of the canyon, recent studies suggest the river carved its path through the region about 5 to 6 million years ago. Since then, the river has been deepening and widening the canyon while sculpting its dramatic geographical features.Desktop Version

Jun 30, 2024Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

Among untamed rainforests, rice paddies and steep ravines lies the village of Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali, Indonesia. According to legend, a Hindu priest, Rsi Markandaya, arrived at the island of Bali in the 8th century, discovering an area abundant in medicinal herbs and plants. The name of Ubud derives from the word "ubad," meaning medicine. Nestled within the verdant landscape, the village is rich in Hindu temples and bountiful in local mythology. The mythical character seen in today’s image is Barong, a panther-like creature, the king of spirits and a symbol of good fortune and prosperity. The Barong dance, performed in a decorated animal mask, is native to Bali.Desktop Version

Feb 14, 2025Happy Valentines Day!

Love is in the air today: it"s Valentine"s Day! Across the globe, millions of flowers will be sent, and romantic restaurants will be fully booked for Valentine"s dates. This day has its origins in the story of Saint Valentine, a Roman Christian who, according to legend, performed marriages for Christian soldiers who were forbidden from marrying. Just like the human lovebirds who will be celebrating today, nature also has its own romantics.Desktop Version

Aug 14, 2024World Lizard Day

From mythology to modern media, lizards have often been portrayed as scary reptiles. As it turns out, they"re not as dangerous as stories might lead you to believe. Today, World Lizard Day, is the perfect time to learn about these cold-blooded creatures. With more than 7,000 species, these animals have adapted to a wide range of environments—from deserts to rainforests. Take the gecko, for example. These little climbers have specialised toe pads that let them scale walls and even walk on ceilings. Then there"s the chameleon, known for its colour-changing skin. While many think it"s all about blending in, chameleons also change colour to communicate and regulate their temperature.Desktop Version

May 22, 2024International Day for Biological Diversity

Today we"re celebrating the biodiversity of our planet! What exactly is biodiversity? It refers to all living things, from animals and plants to fungi and microorganisms, in one area. This delicate but vigorous balance in nature is what keeps us all alive. That"s definitely worth celebrating! May 22 was officially declared to be the International Day for Biological Diversity by the United Nations in 2000. Unfortunately, the biodiversity of Earth is slowly decreasing due to climate change, the draining of natural resources, urbanisation and pollution, among other factors. It is our responsibility to return nature"s favour to us and protect our environment. After all, we are blessed with intriguing species such as the Tasmanian snow gum—the tree seen in today"s image—which takes root in one of the most biologically diverse places on the planet, the Mount Field National Park in Tasmania, Australia.Desktop Version

Jul 28, 2024Colourful bathing huts on the beach in Skåne County, Sweden

When it comes to vibrant beach scenes, Skåne County in Sweden, doesn"t disappoint. Today"s image features pastel huts in Skanörs Havsbad, a sandy beach section in the town of Skanör. This is one of the most popular parts of the beach, which stretches for over 10 kilometres, on the western side of the Falsterbonäset peninsula. Located near the Skanör marina, this part of the beach is a favourite spot for bathers in the summer months.Desktop Version

Aug 23, 2025St. Barbaras Cathedral, Kutná Hora, Czechia

Rising like a stone hymn in the heart of Kutná Hora, a town in Czechia, the Cathedral of St. Barbara is an example of medieval grandeur. The cathedral was dedicated to St. Barbara, the patron saint of miners—an enduring symbol for a community whose lifeblood was silver. The miners themselves played a key role in building the cathedral that still bears her name. Originally envisioned on a much grander scale—twice its current size—the cathedral"s fate was tied to the fortunes of the silver mines. In the years that followed, the Jesuits took over, gradually introducing Baroque elements into the original Gothic design.Desktop Version

Apr 24, 2025Spire Cove in Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward, Alaska, United States

Kenai Fjords National Park is a gem on Alaska"s Kenai Peninsula. Stretching over 2,500 square kilometres, this landscape features towering fjords, winding river valleys and alpine landscapes. More than half of its terrain is blanketed in ice, with glaciers dominating 51% of its area. Throughout the 20th century, the park"s glaciers have receded, uncovering new land for plant and animal life to take root. From ancient Sitka spruces to delicate fireweed shoots and lush moss carpeting the forest floor, plant life in Kenai Fjords flourishes despite the rugged terrain. The park is also home to diverse terrestrial and marine mammals, including timber wolves, porcupines, Canadian lynxes and cetaceans like orcas and fin whales. It also hosts a variety of birds, such as bald eagles and Peale"s peregrine falcons.Desktop Version

Oct 5, 2024African elephants in Tsavo East National Park, Kenya

Step into the world of the African elephants, the largest land mammals, celebrated for their extraordinary intelligence. Through gentle nudging, vocalisations and demonstrations, elephant mothers pass down vital knowledge that helps their young survive in the wild. Sadly, these precious animals face significant threats from habitat loss and poaching. As we admire these majestic creatures and strive to protect them, we can learn valuable lessons about empathy, cooperation and the importance of community.Desktop Version

Nov 9, 2024Aït Benhaddou, Morocco

Get ready for a starry Moroccan night! Stargazing here is truly magical, as the vast skies and minimal light pollution transform each evening into a dazzling display. Every star you see is part of our galaxy, the Milky Way, which gets its name from the way it appears as a creamy band of light in the darkest skies. In today"s image, you can see this cosmic beauty glowing over Aït Benhaddou, a historic ksar—a kind of fortified village—in the Ouarzazate province of Morocco. This site was first fortified in the 11th century. It was a key stop on the ancient caravan trade route connecting the Sahara and the city of Marrakesh. Perched on a hillside by the Ounila River, this village is a cluster of buildings encircled by a protective wall, complete with towers and a gate.Desktop Version

Apr 30, 2024Cheetah in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania

Blink and you"ll miss it! The fastest mammal in the world, the cheetah, seen here in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, is one of Tanzania"s iconic big cats. Cheetahs inhabit diverse landscapes, ranging from the Serengeti grasslands to the arid expanses of the Sahara. They have long tails, elongated legs and a slender build that helps them move quickly.Desktop Version

Nov 8, 2024Glacial rivers, Iceland

Glacial rivers in "the land of fire and ice"—Iceland—have shaped the landscape over thousands of years. The rivers seen in today"s image are formed from the meltwater of vast glaciers like Vatnajökull, Langjökull and Hofsjökull. Vatnajökull, the largest ice cap in Iceland, covers over 7,500 square kilometres—approximately 10% of the country"s landmass. As the glaciers melt, the water carries fine sediments, creating a braided river system with a milky appearance that contrasts with the earthy tones of the volcanic terrain. Every spring and summer, the rivers swell with seasonal meltwater, continually shaping and reshaping the land. Aerial views reveal their intricate patterns, resembling complex artworks that interweave across the terrain toward the North Atlantic Ocean. The water in Iceland is more than just a beautiful sight; it plays a significant role in renewable energy. Its flow powers hydroelectric power stations, reinforcing Iceland"s status as a leader in sustainable energy.Desktop Version

Sep 9, 2024Iguazu Falls at the border of Argentina and Brazil

Want to witness falls so grand that they make Niagara look modest? Let"s explore Iguazu Falls, the largest waterfall system in the world. The name "Iguazu" comes from words in the regional languages Guarani or Tupi, which mean "big water." These series of waterfalls are formed by the Iguazu River, on the border between Argentina"s Misiones province and Brazil"s Paraná state. They feature a striking staircase formation, with a two-step cascade created by three layers of basalt.Desktop Version

Aug 27, 2024Young black caiman, Tambopata National Reserve, Peru

Let"s take a sneak peek at the black caimans of South America that"s lurking in the waters of Peru"s Tambopata National Reserve. These carnivorous creatures thrive in freshwater environments such as slow-moving rivers, lakes and seasonally flooded savannahs. This creature, the largest in the alligator family, can grow to more than 6 metres and tip the scales at upwards of 450 kilograms. Their dark scales are a masterstroke of camouflage, giving them an edge in hunting a variety of aquatic and terrestrial prey. Their role extends beyond predation, however. They indirectly protect our agricultural interests by maintaining balance within their ecosystem, preventing overpopulation of species such as piranhas and capybaras, which can affect local agriculture and livestock.Desktop Version

Jun 13, 2024Registan Square, Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Gather "round, explorers, as we tiptoe into the Registan Square in the city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan! Meaning "sandy place" or "desert" in Persian, Registan was the centre of activity during the Timurid Empire. The square embodied the essence of the Timurid Renaissance, a period of cultural and intellectual revival, which spread throughout the Muslim world between the 14th and early 16th century CE.Desktop Version

Jan 6, 2025Flooded 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 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.Desktop Version

Hovering over harmonious horticulture

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Jul 21, 2024Kendwa village, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Off the coast of East Africa in the archipelago of Zanzibar—a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania—is the village of Kendwa. Historically, this serene village played a modest role in the island"s fishing industry, with traditional wooden boats, known as dhows, etching patterns across the waters.Desktop Version

Jan 24, 2025Strokkur geyser in Iceland

Strokkur geyser—featured in today"s image—warms up winter in a completely different way. It is a fountain geyser known for its frequent and reliable eruptions. Located in the geothermal area beside the Hvítá River in Iceland, this geyser erupts every 6 to 10 minutes, shooting hot water 14 to 20 metres into the air, sometimes erupting up to 40 metres.Desktop Version

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