bell tower of the cathedral.
The basilica was begun in 12th century, when the city was extending towards the left bank of the Po River. The former Cathedral, also entitled to St. George, is still existing on the right bank of the river. The new edifice was consecrated in 1135. [edit] Art and architecture The original Romanesque design is manifest in the façade, resembling those of Modena and Parma: it is in white marble, with three cusps and a series of loggias, small arcades and rose windows, statues and numerous bas-reliefs. On the right side is a statue of Alberto d'Este while on the side is a bronze bust of Pope Clement VIII, over an inscription remembering the capture of the city by that pope. In the centre of the façade is the porch, supported by two columns with telamons seated on lions at the bases. It is decorated by an Universal Judgement by an unknown master, a loggia with a "Madonna with Child" (a late Gothic addition). The portal is the work of the sculptor Nicholaus, a pupil of Wiligelmus. The lunette shows St. George, patron of Ferrara, slaying the dragon; scenes from the Life of Christ appear on the lintel. The jambs framing the entrance are embellished with figures depicting the Annunciation and four prophets who predicted the coming of Christ. According to a now destroyed inscription, Nicholaus was responsible for the design of the original building. The two side portals on the west facade are also his work, as is the lower loggia here and on the south side of the building. A second portal by Nicholaus with additions by Benedetto Antellami was present on the south side, but it was demolished during the 18th century restorations. Some of the sculpture swhich decorated it are now on the piazza in front of the building (the supporting griffins) in the narthex and in the Cathedral Museum. The portal was used by pilgrims directed to Rome. Also on the southern side is the Renaissance, unfinished bell tower, in white and pink marble, attributed to Leon Battista Alberti ...wikipedia
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Photo credit: © lugris / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
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Keywords: bell, cathedral, ferrara, italy, lugris, lugris2, po-valley, tourism, tower, town, travel
