This shot captures two of the most distinguishing features of the former mining town of Ouro Preto, Brazil; specifically, its pronounced sense of heritage and its elements of outstanding baroque architecture. This doorway almost feels like a portal into the past, with its chipped facade, rusted lintel and worn steps all contributing to a feeling of tremendous age and quiet dignity.

With the UN-backed trial of three senior surviving Khmer Rouge leaders finally underway in Phnom Penh, the world is reminded of Cambodia’s sad history. One memorial of its darkest times is S-21, a school-turned-detention centre (and now a genocide museum), where, after the Khmer Rouge fled, a startling photonegative archive were discovered. Today, hundreds of stark black-and-white portraits line the museum walls. It is a moving, eye-opening display.

The whirling silks of this Tshechu dancer’s costume blossom into an impressive shape as he loses himself in the rhythm of the traditional Cham (or Tscham) dance as part of the Lhuntse Tshechu, an annual festival held in northeastern Bhutan. These masked dancers perform to a musical accompaniment provided by brother monks or other locals.

The mighty temples in this Photo of the Week have made the name of Abu Simbel internationally famous since their rediscovery in the early 19th century. Originally constructed during the reign of Ramesses II in the mid 13th century BCE, the temples were lost in the shifting sands of the Nubian desert for many centuries.

This picture captures just some of the rich mix of colourful spices that can be found in many a market in Damascus, Syria. The variety of flavours on offer is overwhelming – even if you’re not trying to cook with them. The clash of bright colours is an intense experience for the eye and the incredible scents produced by the heaps of powder intermingle to create a distinctive and intoxicating miasma.