Ferrara - Cattedrale di San Giorgio

The construction of the Cattedrale di San Giorgio began in the early 12th century, when the city was taken by Matilda of Tuscany (aka "Matilde di Canossa"). When the new cathedral was consecrated in 1135 it was not completed at all. It was - and still is - located in the center of the city.

The lower part of the facade is Romanesque was probably built in the first half of the 11th century. The building process was continued a century later in Gothic style.

A "renovation" of the Ferrara Cathedral done in the early 18th century resulted in a demolition. Only the facade and the outer walls survived. The the medieval interior and the apses, that once existed are lost.

Upto the "renovation" the cathedral had a Romanesque southern portal. It got destroyed, but some parts from that portal like this griffin survived - and now guard the main facade together with the two portal lions who carry atlantes on the back - and so support the narthex.

The portal is attributed to Master Niccolò (aka "Nicholaus"), who (or his workshop) worked as well in Verona (San Zeno) and Piacenza (Cathedral).