Ferrara Cathedral reopens: between ongoing restoration work and a new era for a symbol of the city

After five years of waiting, Ferrara Cathedral finally reopens for worship and public access. A long-awaited appointment not only for the faithful, but also for tourists and citizens, who from 23 March will be able to return to admire this important monument in the heart of the city. The reopening, which coincides with Palm Sunday, symbolises the return of one of the city's most iconic places, renovated and in part already returned to its community.

The works: an open building site towards 2035

The restoration work, which began after the 2012 earthquake and was marked by numerous delays due also to the pandemic, will continue for many more years, so much so that the Cathedral remains an ‘open building site’. A second batch of works, financed with 7.5 million euro by the Ministry of Culture within the Ducato Estense project, will in fact affect the façade, bell tower and some internal works.
The Bell Tower, one of the most representative elements of the Cathedral, will be the subject of an important decision: it is being discussed whether to restore the internal access, as it was in the past, or to opt for a modern solution with an external glass staircase. The side façade will also be the subject of interventions, which will involve temporary covering due to the restoration work carried out by the Opificio delle Pietre Dure in Florence. It is expected that the entire project could be completed no earlier than 2035, turning the Duomo into a work in progress, with continuous phases of restoration and enhancement.

What the new Cathedral will look

Inside the Cathedral, visitors will find a renovated but still evolving space. Part of the central area of the left nave and the Baptistery will remain closed for works. However, some restorations have been completed: it is already possible to admire the sculptural group by Niccolò Baroncelli, restored to its original colour and enhanced by new lighting that brings out its details; and the terracotta busts of the Apostles, masterpieces of the 1500s by Alfonso Lombardi, have also been relocated along the two sides of the transept.
The capitals, which had been hidden for decades, are now partially visible, and visitors will be able to admire the emerged remains thanks to a small flap that allows them to be observed up close. Despite the presence of protective nets on the ceiling for safety reasons, the solemn and majestic atmosphere of the cathedral is preserved, we assure you, offering the faithful and tourists a unique experience, between the charm of the old and the beauty of the restoration.

Between art and faith: a heritage for all

Thanks to the restoration work, Ferrara Cathedral is preparing to experience a new era, in which art, faith and history are intertwined in a project that looks to the future. In addition to the liturgical celebrations, an illustrated publication is being prepared that will document the restoration work, while a video documentary will make the most significant stages of the artistic and architectural recovery accessible online.

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