Church of San Giorgio in Ragusa Portal

CHURCH OF SAN GIORGIO IN RAGUSA PORTAL

The old church of St. George built in the twelfth century, had the utmost attention from the Earl Godfrey that he modified and enlarged and enriched the primitive Church in both the architectural aspects that the furnishings and facilities assets.
The Church judging from the portal had to be of great magnificence, in line with the aesthetics that arched style exacted, it was therefore a large temple with three naves separated by seven columns on each side, adorned with twelve altars over three of the apse at Baptismal Font. Characteristic of the building was especially the Bell Tower, built by the architect Marco ragusano, wonderful example of architecture with its 100 meters height was among the highest in Europe.
By the terrible earthquake of 1693 unfortunately it remains only the portal, a magnificent example of Catalan Gothic architecture built with blocks of soft limestone, from pale pinkish. The Lunette above the lintel represents the Holy Knight slaying the Dragon, with the Queen of Berito kneeling assisting at the scene.
The arch is halfway between two fluted pilasters and the upper space is decorated with two large diamonds, inside which houses the Eagle of Ragusa. The spaces between the pillars of the arch are decorated with figures representing the arts and crafts and along the surface from a theory of monstrous and imaginary figures, between flowers and leaves, legacy of medieval bestiaries. In the embrasures has elegant beam columns, coming together to form a harmonious arch; the last column of nine bundles does not follow the arc but shrinks, rises about eight others to form a big flower.
The portal is one of the most important symbols of the city, besides the well-known silver Portal Prize awarded by the city of Ragusa boasts the simultaneous presence of the representative of the President of the Italian Republic award.

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