St. Mary's Church, Zadar 1066

This is St. Mary’s Church in Zadar, a fine example of Romanesque architecture constructed between the 11th and 13th centuries. Note the facade's circular window—a prominent rose window. This emblem carries deep historical roots as a stylized representation of the sun, a motif echoing ancient solar deities. Across cultures, circular patterns like these transcend mere decoration. Think of mandalas in Eastern traditions or the oculus in Roman temples, all pointing to a unifying cosmic force. The cross at the bell tower's peak speaks of a different, yet equally powerful, narrative. While it symbolizes Christian faith, it’s intriguing to observe how this symbol gradually supplanted earlier pagan symbols. This transition underscores the fascinating capacity of cultures to adopt and adapt, weaving new meanings into existing visual languages. It is a dance of old and new, echoing through the corridors of time.