Begun in 1135, the Cathedral of St. George (Cattedrale di San Giorgio) replaced the former church of San Giorgio, which stood in the old core of Ferrara. The new building is conceived as a religious center of the city and life. It rises in front of the City Hall, near the Castello Estense.

The portal passes from Romanesque to early Gothic facade of the porch. The white and pink marble portal, the lodges, the roses and all the many architectural movements are proof of this. The porch later, was completed in Gothic style. The columns rest on two hippogriffs with weary expression.
The sculptures of the portal (St. George slaying the dragon, scene of the New Testament) are attributed to Nicholas, the leading sculptor after Wiligelmo.

On the right side, the statue in the niche represents Alberto D'este, worthy of having founded the University of Ferrara.
The woman's head is from the Roman era. The bell tower, with its classical style, was built on project Leon Battista Alberti. The cathedral's interior was completely rebuilt after burning in the XVII century.

There are numerous depictions of the Holy Mary, so dear to Ferrara.
The Capulets side is "The Virgin in Glory with Saints Barbara and Catherine" and the "Virgin Enthroned" by Bastianino.

Garofalo is the liberating of Lady and Child enthroned with Saints and Sylvester, Maurelio, Jerome and John. In the apse there is the Judgement of Bastianino, inspired by one of Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel. The Cathedral Museum houses some of the most significant works of art Ferrarese.