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6 Jan 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 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.Desktop Version

27 Dec 2023Kirkjufell, Iceland

From glaciers and waterfalls to volcanoes and black sand beaches, Iceland"s Snæfellsnes Peninsula has "GoT" it all. Standing here proudly is the 463-metre-high Kirkjufell. The lofty hill is often referred to as "Church Mountain" due to its distinctive shape resembling a church steeple. You might recognise it from the "Game of Thrones" series where it featured in a scene set north of the colossal ice wall. Because of its pyramid shape, colours that shift with the seasons, and coastal location, this nunatak—a rock formation that protrudes through an ice sheet or glacier—is a frequent subject for photographers. If you"re lucky, and the weather conditions align, Kirkjufell also offers a magnificent view of the northern lights.Desktop Version

2 Jan 2025Ardez village, Graubunden, Switzerland

Perched on a terrace above the Inn Valley at 1,460 metres, Ardez is a hidden gem in eastern Switzerland renowned for its deep cultural roots and stunning preservation of history. This picturesque village, starring in today"s image, showcases the rich traditions and unique language of Switzerland"s Romansh-speaking communities. Its homes are adorned with sgraffiti—decorative designs etched into plaster—and colourful murals, both iconic art styles of the Engadin region. Dating back to 840 when it was first referred to as Ardezis, the village"s history includes Steinsberg Castle, originally owned by the Bishop of Chur. Though destroyed during the Swabian War in 1499, the castle"s tower has been restored multiple times and stands today as a proud reminder of its past. In 1975, Ardez was chosen as a Swiss model village for its exceptional preservation efforts, which have kept its historic charm intact.Desktop Version

3 Feb 2025Ribblehead Viaduct, North Yorkshire, England

Part engineering genius, part daredevil stunt—that"s the Ribblehead Viaduct in North Yorkshire, England. This Victorian structure, also known as Batty Moss Viaduct, has been carrying trains and turning heads since the 1870s. Built by the Midland Railway, it"s the longest and third- tallest on the Settle–Carlisle railway line. Stretching 402 metres across the Ribble Valley, its 7.3 metre stone arches reach a height of 31.7 metres.Desktop Version

4 Feb 2024Devetashka Cave, Devetaki, Bulgaria

Step into the depths of Devetashka Cave and journey through time in one of Bulgaria"s many natural wonders. However, there is one condition for this adventure: you must not be afraid of bats! About 30,000 of these flying mammals call the cave home. The karst cave, which was formed by the dissolution of carbonate rocks by water, is now part of a public park. The presence of humans in Devetashka Cave is thought to date back to the Early Stone Age, around 70,000 years BCE, and Neolithic artefacts from 6,000-4,000 BCE have been found here. Several large openings in the cave cast natural light into the chambers, offering better illumination for photographers and nature lovers alike.Desktop Version

30 Mar 2025Mothering Sunday

For one Sunday in March, the United Kingdom, Ireland and some Commonwealth countries take a break from the usual hustle to honour mums with flowers, cards and the occasional burnt toast in bed. Mothering Sunday isn"t just Britain"s version of Mother"s Day—it has a history that predates the modern celebration by centuries. In medieval England, it was a religious occasion when people returned to their "mother church"—the main church or cathedral in their area. This pilgrimage often led to family reunions, giving servants a rare day off to visit home. Naturally, a visit to mum was part of the tradition, and over time, the religious aspect blended with a more personal celebration.Desktop Version

11 Mar 2024Koala

Say hello to the koala! Don"t be fooled though; while this sleeping creature may look like a teddy bear"s long-lost cousin, it is actually not a bear at all, it’s a marsupial, which means it carries its young in a pouch. Native to Australia, these furry critters spend most of their time catching some Z"s in the treetops. They can sleep up to 20 hours a day, which helps them conserve the little energy they get from their eucalyptus-based diet. Koalas move slowly when awake, spending most of their time tucked into nooks in trees and have a lower body temperature than other animals of their size. Interestingly, each koala has a unique set of fingerprints, just like us humans. So, if you ever get the chance to visit Australia, make sure to get some koala-ty time!Desktop Version

3 Jan 2025Happy Birthday, JRR Tolkien!

"Don"t adventures ever have an end? I suppose not. Someone else always has to carry on the story." Today, on Tolkien Day, fans around the world honour the master storyteller who crafted the epic adventures of Middle-earth: JRR Tolkien. While Tolkien may have started the tale, it"s his readers who carry it forward, generation after generation, diving into the pages of "The Hobbit," "The Lord of the Rings," and beyond. Tolkienists are encouraged to celebrate the author"s birthday with a toast at 9 PM local time—to participate, all you must do is stand and raise a glass of your choice, say "The Professor," and take a sip.Desktop Version

13 Feb 2025Lake Tyrrell, Victoria, Australia

At Lake Tyrrell, southern Australia, the sky meets the Earth in a dazzling display. The state of Victoria"s largest salt lake was formed around 120,000 years ago. Over time, climate changes caused water levels to drop; these days, the lake is normally dry, except in winter when it"s covered in around 5 centimetres of water. The name "Tyrrell" comes from the local Wergaia word for "sky," a nod to the Boorong Aboriginal People"s interest in astronomy. Spanning more than 70 square miles, Lake Tyrrell is a haven for wildlife, including Mallee reptiles, kangaroos and emus.Desktop Version

29 Nov 2023Rockefeller Centre Christmas Tree lighting

As December approaches, New York gears up for a sparkling spectacle. Today, the 91st Rockefeller Centre Tree lighting in New York City, will bring you festive vibes. In 1931, hardworking builders put up a balsam fir as they wanted to show gratitude for their jobs amidst the bleakness of the Great Depression. Gone are the days of simply plugging in some lights; now this towering Norway spruce, as seen, is adorned with over 50,000 multicoloured LED lights and topped with a Swarovski crystal star. Just wait until the tree—sometimes as tall as 27 metres—is illuminated; it is a full-blown extravaganza with musical performances and celebrity sightings. This mesmerising glow of the tree marks the official arrival of the holiday season in the city that never sleeps, and you definitely don"t want to miss it!Desktop Version

8 Sep 2024Great North Run

Today, the streets of Newcastle will transform into a sea of runners, joggers and walkers all headed in one direction—south. The Great North Run, the world"s largest half marathon, is back. Founded in 1981 by former Olympic 10,000-metre bronze medallist Brendan Foster, this annual event started with humble beginnings. Just over 12,000 runners took part in the inaugural race, but it quickly grew into a phenomenon. Today, the race attracts around 60,000 participants each year, from elite athletes to charity fundraisers dressed as giant bananas.Desktop Version

24 Nov 2023Green Friday

Imagine spending the day hiking in a forest, soaking in the lush greenery instead of frantically checking every item off your holiday shopping list. Welcome to Green Friday, the environmental alternative to Black Friday, established in 2015. On Green Friday, people are encouraged to approach shopping by making ethical choices, embracing nature, or refraining from purchasing altogether. So, take a pause for a moment and plunge yourself into nature this Green Friday!Desktop Version

10 Nov 2023Badlands National Park, South Dakota, USA

This densely layered image is not an error of your screen, but the fascinating tiers of fossil beds in Badlands National Park in South Dakota, USA. Under the multicoloured coating lies the land"s history, conserving the remains of ancient horses, camels, tigers and rhinos. The barren landscape, decorated with pinnacles and prairies, was mainly formed by two contrary forces of nature: deposition (the process of small rocks being moved around and deposited in new places) and erosion (the process of rocks wearing away). The Red Shirt Table, at 1,020 metres, is the highest point on the rugged terrain. The park covers a 379-square-mile territory that was established as a national park on this day in 1978. Still thirsty for knowledge? Visit the national park"s museum collection. There are over 360,000 artefacts that have a lot more to reveal!Desktop Version

26 Feb 2025Castle Stalker, Argyll, Scotland

Perched dramatically on a tidal islet in Loch Laich, Argyll, Castle Stalker is one of Scotland"s most picturesque and well-preserved medieval tower houses. Built around the 1440s by the Stewarts of Appin, its history includes royal visits and even a drunken wager that briefly transferred ownership to Clan Campbell. Despite falling into disrepair by the 19th century, it was lovingly restored in the mid-20th century and is still privately owned today. Visitors can explore this historic site on selected guided tours during the summer.Desktop Version

7 Dec 2024Stonehenge, Wiltshire, England

Stonehenge—part ancient marvel, part prehistoric riddle. Standing proudly on the Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England, this stone circle has intrigued historians, archaeologists and curious travellers for centuries. But what is it? A celestial calendar? A burial site? A gathering place for ancient ceremonies? While we may never have all the answers, Stonehenge certainly rocks the imagination.Desktop Version

27 Oct 2023Sligachan Old Bridge, Isle of Skye, Scotland

The enchanting Isle of Skye in Scotland is home to the Sligachan Old Bridge, engineered and built by Thomas Telford, a prolific Scottish civil engineer, in the early 1800s. The bridge arches over a river of the same name, and is accessible only to cyclists and pedestrians, while a modern bridge downstream serves car traffic. From atop the bridge"s weathered, humble and mossy stones, travellers can take in the majestic Cuillin Mountains in the distance. According to local tradition, the Sligachan River"s water contains a mysterious blessing provided by fairies. Those who dare to immerse their faces in these waters are said to be gifted with timeless beauty.Desktop Version

28 Aug 2024Paralympic Games begin in Paris

The Summer Paralympic Games get underway in Paris today. More than 4,000 athletes from all around the world will meet in the French capital to compete in 22 sports across 549 different events. Delegations from 184 nations will parade down the iconic Champs-Élysées to the Place de la Concorde rather than entering a stadium. The first official Paralympic Games were held in Rome in 1960. Twenty-three nations took part, competing in eight sports, including wheelchair basketball and para-athletics.Desktop Version

21 Dec 2024Burning the Clocks

As the year winds down and the longest night of winter settles over Brighton in England, the city doesn"t hibernate—it ignites. Burning the Clocks, a winter solstice festival, is Brighton"s luminous way of letting go of the past year, lighting up the darkest hours with paper lanterns, a blazing bonfire and an explosion of creativity. This tradition was born in 1994 as a response to the commercialised chaos of the holiday season. This annual fest invites locals and visitors alike to create intricate paper lanterns symbolising their hopes, dreams and reflections from the year gone by. These lanterns are paraded through the streets in a procession that winds its way to Brighton Beach, accompanied by music. At the end of the parade, the lanterns are ceremoniously burned on a massive bonfire.Desktop Version

11 Dec 2023International Mountain Day

Peek at your calendars! December 11 is International Mountain Day, a special day designated by the United Nations General Assembly back in 2003. The theme for this year"s commemoration is "Restoring mountain ecosystems," connecting with the UN"s Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.Desktop Version

12 May 2024Skiddaw, Lake District National Park

At 931 metres high, Skiddaw is the fourth tallest peak in England"s Lake District. It carries an air of grandeur, thanks to the flatter valleys that set it apart from neighbouring fells. Author Alfred Wainwright once called the summit "an affable and friendly giant." Skiddaw is more than a mountaineer"s playground—it"s steeped in geological wonder. It is formed from ancient Ordovician slate that musicians have turned into lithophones, charming visitors at Keswick Museum with their melodic chime. Moreover, Skiddaw House, originally a keeper"s lodge built in 1829, tells tales of its rich heritage through walls that have witnessed the evolution of this landscape. Whether you"re a seasoned fell runner beginning the Bob Graham Round—a fell running challenge—or a day-tripper seeking a summit, Skiddaw invites all.Desktop Version

13 Oct 2023Vieste, Apulia, Italy

Vieste is a picturesque town on the eastern coast of Italy. With origins dating back thousands of years, its history is a tapestry woven by various civilisations, including the Normans, Byzantines and Romans. The town"s historic centre is filled with charming narrow streets, ancient architecture and a medieval Swabian castle overlooking the Adriatic Sea. What truly captivates visitors, however, is Vieste"s stunning natural landscape, renowned for dramatic limestone cliffs, pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. In fact, Vieste"s waters are so clear that it has been awarded Blue Flag certification for its water quality. The famous Pizzomunno rock formation has legends associated with it, which are often variations of the same story about a young man named Pizzomunno and his lover Cristalda. With its blend of history, natural wonders and leisure pursuits, Vieste remains a captivating destination for those seeking an authentic Italian experience.Desktop Version

2 Feb 2025Alpine marmot

The alpine marmot in today"s image is a close relative of the groundhog, which is another species of marmot. The alpine marmot is native to central and southern Europe and can be found at altitudes between 800 and 3,200 metres. Weighing between 1.9 and 7 kilograms, they are easily recognised by their round faces, short tails and dense fur that helps them endure chilly mountain climates. When it comes to food, these creatures are herbivores with simple taste. They spend their summer days grazing on grasses, herbs, roots, seeds and flowers, storing up energy for their big event: a roughly nine-month hibernation party. Sometimes they eat grain, worms, insects and spiders. Beyond their hibernation habits, alpine marmots live a highly social lifestyle. They communicate through a variety of vocal sounds, including sharp whistles to warn the group of predators like eagles or foxes. This strong sense of community is key to their survival.Desktop Version

30 Jan 2024Aýna, Albacete, Spain

Snow might not be the first thing that pops into your mind when thinking about Spain, but thanks to its diverse landscapes from high peaks and warm beaches, Spain has it all. Featured in today"s image, the tiny village of Aýna—with a population of less than 1,000—lies in the steep valley carved by the river Mundo in the Sierra del Segura mountain range. Because of its snow-capped mountains during the winter months, the town is frequently called Manchegan Switzerland—with "Manchegan" referring to the autonomous community of Castile-La Mancha that Aýna is a part of. About 150 miles south of the capital, Madrid, Aýna offers a unique glimpse into Spanish village life.Desktop Version

29 Feb 2024Leap Day

Are you a "leapling?" No, not like this Eurasian red squirrel; rather, that"s the term for anyone born on leap day! A leap year is a calendar oddity that exists because Earth"s orbit and our usual year count are slightly out of sync. Earth takes 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes and 46 seconds, to revolve around the sun. To compensate for those extra 5 hours, February gets an extra day—leap day—every four years. The concept, dating back to the ancient Romans, was refined in the Gregorian calendar, introduced in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII. While the purpose of the day is to keep our year aligned with the solar calendar, it can also serve as an extra day to prepare for spring! Cultures worldwide mark leap days and years with unique customs. In Ireland and Britain, women propose to men, in Greece, marrying during a leap year is said to bring misfortune, and in France, a satirical newspaper is published.Desktop Version

28 Oct 2023Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

In the town of Consuegra, the echoes of the adventures of Don Quixote—the hero of the Spanish epic novel by Miguel de Cervantes—still linger. This tourist destination in Castilla-La Mancha is famous for a small mountain range, known as Cerro Calderico. The range is crowned with 12 white windmills, perhaps the very same that inspired Cervantes to picture them as an army of giants. With their stone walls and wooden blades, some of these windmills date back to the 16th century. Now, they are living relics of a bygone era when they were used to grind grain.Desktop Version

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