The Rose Window of the Basilica of Santa Croce

The majestic central rose window of Santa Croce, the largest of Apulia, dominates the upper order of the Basilica.

The rose window of the Basilica of Santa Croce is made up of concentric decorative elements: within the laurel leaf garland, there are circles of angels, lilies and pomegranates, symbol of prosperity.

The light that radiates from it floods the spacious interior of the Basilica, symbolising the inundation of divine splendour and infusing a feeling of calm and purity to anyone who enters the building.

In the intricate light tricks of the rose window, among the sinuous acanthus leaves, the profiles of six faces can be glimpsed.

The biggest face, with its considerably large nose, is traditionally considered a self-portrait of architect Cesare Penna, the author of the rose window.

Higher up, and much smaller, there is the frowning face of a man who seems to have been immortalized in a moment of anger.

The third profile depicts a bearded man with a snake descending from his forehead. Just below it, some lemons on the garland that surrounds the rose window.

Next to the third profile, a fierce lion holds the shield with the number 16.

Symmetrically, on the opposite side, another, more frightening lion, holds the shield with the number 46: 1646 is the date of the conclusion of the construction work of the upper order of the Basilica.

The fourth and fifth faces are at the ends of the acanthus leaves surrounding the second lion.

With a stern gaze and the big nose pointing upwards, the sixth and last profile has a long beard which recalls, in its style, that of the monks.