Jean de Chelles

Rose window, also called wheel window, in Gothic architecture, decorated circular window, often glazed with stained glass. Scattered examples of decorated circular windows existed in the Romanesque period (Santa Maria in Pomposa, Italy, 10th century).

When rose windows are used in the transept ends, then one of those windows is frequently dedicated to Mary as the Mother of Jesus. In modern Catholic thought, the rose window is often associated with the Virgin Mary because one of her titles, referred to by St Bernard of Clairvaux, is the “Mystical Rose”.

On the front of the church is the west rose window. Initially built in about 1125, it is the oldest of the three—though, today, none of the original glass remains in the frame. On the right side of the building is the south rose window.

Notre-Dame’s three famed rose windows were reportedly spared from Monday night’s fire. Maxime Cumunel, the secretary general of France’s Observatory for Religious Heritage, also confirmed that the stained-glass windows, which date back to the 13th century, survived the fire. But their exact condition is still unknown.

The Rose and Lancet windows are located in Chartres Cathedral in Chartres, France. The style of these windows are Gothic and were added to the cathedral sometime between 1230 and 1235. Located in the North transept of the church, the windows are made from glass that has been stained to create a beautiful visual image.

On 15 April 2019, an electrical short was the likely spark for a blaze that threatened to burn the 850-year-old cathedral to the ground. Following a protocol developed for just such a disaster, firefighters knew which works of art to rescue and in which order.

Gothic stained glass windows conveyed bible stories in a colorful visual form at a time when not everyone in a population could read. They were an important means of getting religious ideas across to members of the church.

An early alternative to glass was flattened animal horn, used as early as the 14th century. The poorer folk had to cover their windows with oiled cloth or parchment to keep the drafts out and let some light in. That’s why the old houses had very tiny windows. The Romans were the first known to use glass for windows.

Italy’s prices are more attractive both per square metre and in terms of basic maintenance costs while property in France is more expensive and incurs higher taxes. Higher taxes are but a small price to pay for better healthcare, shorter commutes, cheaper utilities, better services and less pollution.

France is about 1.5 times bigger than Germany but with a population 20% smaller. In effect, it has a larger rural area with less people to populate it. And as more and more people relocate to cities, more houses are being added to the market—often at bargain prices.

Home-owners will be able to stay at their French homes for 90 days every 180 days, at most. Overstaying this period has its consequences. By the end of 2022, all Brits travelling to France to visit their homes there will need to apply for a travel authorization.