Ferrara Cathedral, Ferrara
St George's Basilica or the Ferrara Cathedral (Cattedrale di Ferrara) is the largest and most important temple of Ferrara. It had long lost its original liturgical significance of the parish church. Today, the most important celebrations of the Diocese of Ferrara are held here. In addition, the cathedral is a real work of art, it is beautiful and majestic.
History of the cathedral
Due to the significant expansion at the beginning of the 11th century, the city needed a new, much larger church. The construction began in 1132, it was financed by the Prince Federico Giocoli. The works were completed in 1135, at the same time the cathedral was consecrated, and it began to bear the name of St. George.
In the period of 1451–1493, the bell tower of the cathedral was erected, Leon Battista Alberti became its architect. In 1712 it was decided to connect the cathedral and the nearby archbishop's palace. The work lasted from 1717 to 1734, they were led by Roman architect Tommaso Mattei. In 1944, the southern part of the cathedral, including the apse, was destroyed by the bombing of allied forces.
After the Second World War, a long restoration followed, which was completed only in 2006.
Architecture
Nowadays, the cathedral is the largest in the entire region.
- Its length is 118 meters.
- The width of the cathedral is 41 meters.
- Only the bell tower with a height of 45 meters is inferior to similar structures in the region.
The façade of the cathedral is made of white marble and has 3 "tops" of a triangular shape. Round window openings are cut in them. The façade has 2 rows of porticoes, as well as many arches, made in the Gothic style. It is decorated with a huge number of bas-reliefs and sculptures.
The main entrance is crowned with a pediment with a bas-relief of the Last Judgment. Under it there is a seat with the figure of the Virgin Mary with the Child. Below, there is a sculpture of St. George. On the side parts above the door there are reliefs with figures of prophets, as well as the Duke Alberto D'Este and Pope Clement VIII.
The south side of the cathedral has two balconies with marble columns. They are decorated with numerous bas-reliefs and sculptures. Among others, there are sculptures, symbolizing 12 months.
Interior
The interior of the cathedral follows the Baroque style. It has a sophisticated and luxurious, picturesque and sculptural decoration. It is divided into 5 naves.
In the center there is the altar, created in 1728 by the Venetian sculptor Celio Tirini. To his left there is the sarcophagus of Pope Urban III, who died suddenly in the city in 1187. On the right there is a bust of Pope Clement VIII.
In addition to these, the interior is complemented by a multitude of icons and paintings on religious themes by artists from the 16th and 18th centuries, and bronze sculptures. The musical accompaniment of the celebrations is carried out with the help of a stunningly beautiful organ created in 1967.
How to get there
Ferrara Cathedral is located on the square, which received its name from it, Piazza della Cattedrale. The Cathedral Museum is situated nearby, and a little further there is the majestic Castle of Saint Michele. The nearest bus stop is Corso Porta Reno (routes 3, 4, 11, 390).
Opening hours: the cathedral is open for visitors on Monday-Friday from 7:30 to 12:00 and from 15:30 to 18:30, and on Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 to 12:30 and from 15:30 to 19:30. Phone number for information (+39) 0532 207449.
Free admission.
