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.

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

The lintel over the door depicts the biblical story from the Annunciation to the Baptism in the River Jordan (see previous upload).

Here are the Magi.

The Magi, seen in Ravenna, are about 6-7 centuries older. They wore phrygian caps and "leggings". Here the (elder!) Magi wear crowns and luxurious "mid european" clothing. The gifts they bring seem as well to be more valuable. At least the vessels are larger.

Political spin-doctors have "morphed" the Magi to Kings. In medieval times they are mostly depicted as Kings, bringing them into a lineage to the contemporary Royalties. So the pious subjects should see them has forefathers of the medieval Emperors - and they probably did.