Cathedral of San Giorgio
The facade of which combines the Romanesque and Gothic stylesExplore the toursStrolling through the heart of Ferrara, it’s impossible not to be enchanted by the majestic Cathedral of San Giorgio (Saint George), an architectural masterpiece that has spanned centuries of transformations.
The History
Construction on the Ferrara Cathedral began in 1135. It was commissioned by the citizens and supported by Guglielmo degli Adelardi, one of the local lords. The construction was subsequently authorized by Pope Innocent, who gave his approval, and within a few decades, Ferrara found itself with a cathedral that united art, faith, and power, right in the pulsating center of the city.
When its construction started, Ferrara was expanding, and the city center was shifting northward. The original project was in the Romanesque style, as can still be seen in the lower part of the façade. Over time, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements were added, making the cathedral an extraordinary example of stylistic fusion. Therefore, it wouldn’t be possible to associate the cathedral with a single style, as the fusion throughout its history has allowed for a mix that makes a visit a very interesting journey.
The 2012 Earthquake and Restoration Work
The cathedral has suffered damage throughout its history, particularly due to the earthquake of 1570, which severely impacted Ferrara.
More recently, from 2019 to 2024, it was closed for restoration and structural reinforcement following the 2012 earthquake, reopening for religious services on March 23, 2024.
Today, the restoration is almost complete, and visits are possible, even though some work inside and outside is still ongoing. The completion is currently scheduled for 2027, but some believe it will be fully finished in 2035 to mark the cathedral’s 900th “birthday.”
The visit to the Ferrara Cathedral is free, but if you also want to explore the Cathedral Museum, which is located in the former church of San Romano and houses works of art related to the history of the cathedral, here are the costs:
Full price ticket: €6
Reduced ticket: €3