Rosettes and symbolism
Rosettes have a symbolic history that is lost in the mists of time and has spanned very ancient cultures. And it is precisely by thinking of the ancient cults that one notices how the rosette leads back to the idea of the Sun that has been marking the cycles in the lives of human beings since the dawn of humanity. The rose , on the other hand, another key element, in its stylized form was in Ancient Greece associated with the cult of Aphrodite, goddess of love.
For the Christian tradition, the rose window becomes among other things, spoked wheel, a symbol of Christ's dominion over the Earth or even the wheel of Fortune which became, with medieval theocentrism, a fortune of angelic nature as Dante also claimed.
Note also the close relationship of the rose window with the circle: an element without beginning and without end, a symbol of God, and a symbol of eternity. It is the center of salvation history, the center of the flow of human time.
Finally, it is evident that the purpose of the rose window was to entice the faithful to contemplation and meditation, but not only that, it was a widespread belief that those who were possessed, only by looking at the rose window; therefore, even before entering the cathedral, could go into a frenzy.
Let us discover together how these symbols make so many cathedrals and churches in Apulia unique and magnetic.
The rose window of the Cathedral of Troia
In the province of Foggia, in the beautiful territory at the foot of the Dauno Apennines, lies the ancient town of Troia at the center of which stands the stunning Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. A marvelous example of Italian Romanesque with Byzantine influences and oriental references.
In the center of the facade opens the splendid rose window, rich in symbolism and finely decorated. A dense weave based on eleven small columns radiating according to equal angles outward and connected with a play of arches. The eleven segments formed by the play of intersections are decorated with perforated diaphragms different from each other for a total of twenty-two different decorations.
The eleven rosette columns then rest on a circle of stone carved in scales to create a workmanship reminiscent of a snake biting its tail, a symbol of eternity, death and resurrection, and finally, given the circular shape, a symbol of perfection.
A marvel all to be contemplated. In order to observe it up close, we advise you to book your vacation between art and sea in the area using one of our vacation homes in the Gargano as a base, an ideal refuge for a break under the banner of beauty.
Cathedral of San Sabino in Bari
Descending toward Bari, among the city's architectural wonders, the Cathedral of San Sabinostands out as a shining example of Apulian Romanesque architecture.
Built between the 12th and 13th centuries on the remains of the Byzantine cathedral destroyed by the Norman William the Bad, the building features a white limestone facade decorated with small arches, pilasters and the splendid rose window with its historiated lintel.
Exactly in the center of the facade, the rose window stands out with its eighteen petals and from its rosary bead frame. Further enriching it are the detailed plant elements and striking animal sculptures.
But the real magic happens on the day of the summer solstice. On June 21, in fact, an unusual, almost mystical phenomenon is observed in the cathedral: around 5 p.m., the sun's rays that penetrate from the 18 segments of the façade's rose window go to match perfectly with the petals of the rose that adorns the floor of the nave.
If you have the opportunity to be dazzled by such mystical beauty, we recommend booking one of our vacation rentals in the Land of Bari to be just a step away from wonder.
The great rose window of the Cathedral of Ostuni
Continuing south, you'll reach the beautiful white town of Ostuni where, among narrow streets that climb the city's highest hill, stands the cathedral dedicated to Santa Maria dell'Assunzione completed between 1470 and 1495.
Dominating the central body of the facade is the rose window, which surely can be counted among the largest in the world, certainly the largest among the rose windows of Apulia. A masterpiece in pure Gothic style that literally leaves one open-mouthed, formed by several concentric arches with ferrules enriched with floral motifs and the figures of the twelve apostles.
Between the spaces of the small columns we glimpse a myriad of lunar symbols. The ideal circular motion of the rose window is a reminder of the sun that is identified with Christ as the star from which comes light and life. Lord of time and light. The concentric shape symbolizes the passage of time: the 24 columns of the outermost circle indicate the hours of the day while the 12 in between recall the months of the year.
All the masterpieces of the white city will be at your disposal if you decide to book one of our vacation rentals in Valle d'Itria. Find the ideal spot to immerse yourself in culture.
Cathedral of Otranto
One of the oldest and most imposing buildings in all of Apulia, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Annunziata stands majestically in its small square accessed by a maze of narrow streets.
The preponderant style of the church is Romanesque, but the façade is characterized by the distinctive Renaissance rose window, which harks back to the Gothic and Byzantine styles and was made after the devastation inflicted during the Turkish occupation. The masterpiece has 16 spokes in Lecce stone with fine Gothic tracery of circular shape converging in the center, according to the canons of Gothic-Arabian art. A jewel of inestimable value.
To have it at your doorstep all you have to do is book one of our Salento Adriatic vacation homes and dedicate your vacation to the right mix of sea and culture.
