Every year, the Wikimedia Foundation pulls off something pretty incredible, turning global history into a visual playground. The 16th edition of Wiki Loves Monuments proves it once again, dropping a stunning lineup of images that hit you right in the wanderlust.
In 2025, nearly 3,800 photographers stepped up, submitting over 227,000 images across 56 countries. That’s not just a contest, that’s a global love letter to cultural heritage. After months of careful judging, the winners were announced around International Museum Day in April 2026, and the results are nothing short of breathtaking.
This year’s standout shot? A powerful frame capturing the ancient walls near the Dayr-e Gachin Caravanserai in Iran, often called the “mother of caravanserais.” It’s raw, timeless, and straight-up cinematic. Interestingly, three of the top five winners came from Iran, showcasing the region’s rich architectural soul.
What makes this contest even cooler? Every image is released under Creative Commons, meaning the world gets to experience and share these visual gems freely. It’s photography with purpose where art meets accessibility.
Bottom line: these 15 winning photos don’t just document history, they make you feel it. And honestly, that’s what great photography is all about.
You can find more info:
1. Dayir-e-Gachin caravanserai, Qomrud, Iran, by Hossein pourakbarian
2. Mehmandust Tower, Semnan Province, Iran, by Darabad andromeda
3. Kusum Sarovar, Uttar Pradesh, India, by Arjunfotografer
4. Ishak Pasha Palace, Ağrı Province, Turkey, by Volcanicaaa
5. Arak Bazaar, Markazi Province, Iran, by Dehghanpourpix
6. Luxor, Egypt, by Mohamed abdelzaher
7. Sacra di San Michele, Sant’Ambrogio di Torino, Piemonte. Italia, by Federico Milesi
8. Sant Climent de Taüll, Catalonia, Spain, by Mikipons
9. Church of the Intercession in Mykhailivka, Krasnopilka Municipality, Vinnytsia Oblast, Ukraine, by Yurii-mr
10. An archway within a Confucius temple in Tonghai County, located in southwestern China by Kcx36
11. Perge, Antalya Province, Turkey, by Mehmety11maz
12. Juma Mosque, Ordubad, Azerbaijan, by Conquerer01
13. Saint Peter’s Church in Leuven, Belgium, by Giles Laurent
14. Lakshminarayana Temple, Hosaholalu, India, by Basavaraj M
15. Temple of Demeter in Cyrene, Libya, by عدسة قوريني
FAQs:
What is Wiki Loves Monuments?
Wiki Loves Monuments is an international photography contest organized by the Wikimedia Foundation. It encourages photographers worldwide to capture cultural heritage sites and share them freely under Creative Commons for global educational and creative use.
How many photos were submitted in 2025?
In 2025, around 227,918 photos were submitted by nearly 3,800 photographers across 56 countries. These entries were first judged nationally and then shortlisted for the international finale by expert juries.
Why are these photos important?
These photos document cultural heritage sites and visually preserve global history. Since they are freely accessible, they support education, research, and creative projects while promoting awareness of historical monuments worldwide.
What made the winning photo special?
The winning image captured the historic Dayr-e Gachin Caravanserai in Iran. Its composition, lighting, and emotional depth highlighted the monument’s scale and historical significance, making it stand out among thousands of entries from around the world.
Can anyone use these photos?
Yes, all photos are shared under Creative Commons licenses. This allows people to use, share, and adapt them for personal, educational, or commercial purposes, as long as proper credit is given to the original photographers.