Apulia Region

Apulian Romanesque

The Apulian Romanesque is that culture that developed in Apulia Region between the eleventh and the first half of the thirteenth century, especially in architecture, sculpture and in the art of mosaic.

Examples of Apulian Romanesque:

Basilica of San Nicola in Bari

Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore of Siponto near Manfredonia

Abbey of San Leonardo di Siponto near Manfredonia

Concathedral of the Assumption in Troia.

Apulian cathedrals have rose windows in the west facade and at the south end of the transept. They have intricate patterned stonework and clear glass or alabaster.

One of the most beautiful rose windows in Apulia is that of the Concathedral in Troia. It is composed of 11 stone columns and twenty-two different decorations obtained exclusively with the technique of the fretwork, making the rose appear as a laced embroidery.

Circular openings have been a common trait of Italian church architecture from Roman times. And from the 8^th 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.

The rose windows 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 Apulian church carvings.