Basilica San Nicola

Beautiful and meaning church with a very important background

Saint Nicholas Church. Very nice church

The Pontifical Basilica of Saint Nicholas (Basilica of Saint Nicholas) is a church in Bari, southern Italy that holds wide religious significance throughout Europe and the Christian world. The basilica is an important pilgrimage destination both for Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians. The basilica was built between 1087 and 1197, during the Italo-Norman domination of Apulia, the area previously occupied by the Byzantine Catapan of which Bari was the seat. Its foundation is related to the recovery of some of the relics of Saint Nicholas from the saint’s original shrine in Myra, in what is now Turkey. When Myra passed into the hands of the Saracens, some saw it as an opportunity to move the saint's relics to a safer location. According to the justifying legend, the saint, passing by the city on his way to Rome, had chosen Bari as his burial place. There was great competition for the relics between Venice and Bari. The latter won, the relics were carried off under the noses of the lawful Greek custodians and their Muslim masters, and on May 9, 1087, were safely landed at Bari. A new church was built to shelter Nicholas' remains and Pope Urban II was present at the consecration of the crypt in 1089. The edifice was officially consecrated in 1197, in the presence of the Imperial Vicar, Bishop Conrad of Hildesheim, and of numerous bishops, prelates and noblemen. Elias, abbot of the nearby monastery of Saint Benedict, was named as first archbishop. His cathedra (bishop's throne) still stands in the church. Mediaval Serbian dynasty Nemanjic were significant donors as well.

Very nice church. A must see in Bari

A treat for both religious people and history lovers. Impressive building with gorgeous architecture from each angle, and an even more splendid, ornate, gilded ceiling inside. The Saint's remains are in a crypt at underground level, a spacious area with beautiful arches and with an Orthodox altar too. People an pray there in silence - beautiful atmosphere, honouring one of the greatest saints of Christianity.

Really nic spiritual place, with a wonderful ceiling. There a beautiful frescoes. Place with a long history, you shouldn't miss by your visit old part of Bari. Downstairs is a tomb, so just check it either.

Amazing basilica with rich history and a lot of thing a to see. The crypt of Saint Nicola is inspiring. The exterior and interior are breathtaking

A very nice church, good restoration from 1084 year. I recommend for to visit!