Groundbreaking was in 1099, on the site of earlier churches dating from the 5th century that were demolished after the burial place of Saint Geminianus was found. Pope Lucius III consecrated the cathedral on July 12, 1184, and the infobox gives completion in 1319. The article calls the style Romanesque, with a facade showing several styles.
Lanfranco, about whom little else is known, directed the design. Wiligelmus carved the facade reliefs of prophets, patriarchs and biblical scenes, among them Adam and Eve and Noah. Anselmo da Campione and his heirs, the Campionese masters, added the rose window and a marble parapet showing the Passion. Two lions at the entrance are said to be Roman.
The north Porta della Pescheria has secular high reliefs, including an early Arthurian scene. The Ghirlandina tower is annexed to the church. UNESCO listed the cathedral, tower and Piazza Grande in 1997.
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