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, 2018When science looks like magic
Dec 29, 2019Helloooooo, Innsbruck
Dec 29, 2020Where the glow of the holidays lingers
Dec 29, 2021Mountain goats
Dec 29, 2022Silver-studded blue butterflies
Dec 29, 2023Oud-West, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Dec 29, 2025St. Gregory Church in Ani Ruins, Kars, Türkiye

More Desktop Wallpapers:

May 31, 2023World Otter Day
Jul 9, 2025Independence Day of the Argentine Republic
Oct 15, 2025National Mushroom Day
Dec 26, 2020Happy Boxing Day!
Dec 5, 2023Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles, Bavaria, Germany
Jan 25, 2024Ruins of St. Dwynwens Church, Ynys Llanddwyn, Wales
Oct 31, 2023Halloween
Dec 17, 2018We have liftoff!
Aug 5, 2020Aw shucks, It s Oyster Day
Mar 7, 2022Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
Apr 24, 2022Dark Sky Week
Dec 9, 2025National Llama Day
Dec 10, 2023Sand dunes in the Sahara, Algeria
Nov 25, 2024Masai giraffes in Amboseli National Park, Kenya
Apr 7, 2021A willowy welcome to spring
Mar 31, 2022Happy Birthday, Eiffel Tower
Feb 23, 2026Great white egret, Upper Bavaria, Germany
Aug 17, 2022Freshwater plants in Aquário Natural, Brazil
Mar 20, 2022World Frog Day
Apr 17, 2026International Bat Appreciation Day
May 4, 2021Happy Star Wars Day!
Aug 22, 2022Burrowing owls
Aug 28, 2022Bearded reedlings in Flevoland
Jan 27, 2021A dramatic view of Sicily
Aug 14, 2020In the Navajo Nation for Code Talkers Day
Feb 2, 2020Hut, hut, hike!
Dec 23, 2021Festivus
Jul 26, 2022Mangrove Conservation Day
Jun 16, 2024Happy Fathers Day!
Apr 8, 2022Ponta Delgada