How to Read the
Rose Windows in Italian Churches
I’m not particularly interested in churches, but I like details with a story to tell like Italy’s circular rose windows.
Circular openings such as the oculus of the Pantheon have been a common trait of Italian church architecture from Roman times. And from the 8th century their popularity increased, either as decorative recesses or as wheel windows. Some of them were glazed with alabaster or stained glass mosaics,some displayed an intricate marble screenwork. As always their design and motifs tell something about their age and history.
Photos of rose windows from all over Italy.
Aging Rules of thumb
Being no expert, I can’t tell the difference between “Romanesque”, “Gothic”, “Renaissance” and “Baroque” rose windows, but I know that the simplest wheel windows are generally the oldest with a history dating about a thousand years back in time. They were followed by pierced windows, where linear spokes and mullions were replaced by traceries that gradually developed into more and more flamboyant flower petals with a rich design, multiple parts and kaleidoscopic mosaics.
In the 15th century, simplicity came back in fashion, later to be surrounded by very ornate Baroque carvings in the 17th and early 18th centuries.
Symbolism
As regards the narrative, there’s general consent that circular windows over the west door of a church should depict the Last Judgement with Christ sitting in the centre of light with the symbols of the four Evangelists around him either in stonework or stained glass mosaics. Windows in the transept are commonly associated with the Virgin Mary.
The carved ornamentation, screens and perhaps the rose windows in general are believed to have come to Europe from the Middle East with the crusades. This may also explain the Islamic style patterns you can find in many Puglian church carvings.
More on architecture
Ferrara guide: The origin of urban planning
I’ve always fancied rose windows myself, and this is a striking collection.
İ’ve never given the significance of rose windows a thought and certainly didn’t know there was a story behind them or that you can tell the period of one by its design – if you’re an expert, that is. ;)
Julia
Thanks! What a beautiful collection!
Grazie for the beautiful post!
Like Julia, I didn’t know rose windows had a significance other than looks, but I’m glad they do. Interesting AND beautiful!
Nice collection of images at the top and explanation of their significance. I love the details of cathedrals and churches just about anywhere including Italy.
I found this post so interesting. I’ve never looked at the rose windows as more than a part of an architecture and something ornamental. Love the collection of rose windows! I’m going to be looking at them a little bit more closely now.
Interesting selection of windows. I’m not a great church lover but I do appreciate the architectural details. Fabulous photo mosaic.
Beautiful pictures! Italy has some amazing art and those are a perfect example of it.
Where are all the roses from?
I had hoped no-one would ask that question:) I have hundreds of pictures of Italian churches, so these are just a random selection, but I definitely recognize Bolzano, Trento, Terammo, Altamura, Trani, Otranto, Carovigno, Ostuni and Manduria.
I had hoped no-one would ask that question:) I have hundreds of pictures of Italian churches, so these are just a random selection, but I definitely recognize Bolzano, Trento, Terammo, Altamura, Trani, Otranto, Carovigno, Ostuni and Manduria.