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 upper part of the narthex depicts the "Last Judgement", a popular theme (eg Conques, Autun, Moissac, Sangüesa) here is seen in a delicate style of transition from from Romanesque to Gothic.

Souls rise from open graves. Above them Archangel Michael holds a scale doing the "Weighing of the Souls". A little devil tries to hold down the right side. The sinners leave -naked- to the right side, the good souls - nicely dressed to the left. Above all Christ in a mandorla, showing the "Five Holy Wounds".

I have added the neighbouring carvings (in a larger scale).

To the left the good souls are saved in the "Bosom of Abraham", to the right the poor souls are stuffed by evil devils into the "Mouth of Hell".