Cattedrale di San Nicola di Bari

Really loved visiting this beautiful church, we were lucky enough be there for the ceremony the week ahead of the celebration of St Nicholas. Even so it wasn't too busy and we could explore, take in the peace and serenity of the crypt as well as the church. If you're around in Bari, and interested in history, architecture or faith, a great place to visit.

The Pontifical Basilica of Saint Nicholas is a church in Bari, southern Italy, that holds wide religious significance throughout Europe and the Christian world.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 9 May 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.The Basilica houses one of the most noteworthy Romanesque sculptural works of southern Italy, a cathedra (bishop's throne) finished in the late eleventh century for Elias. There are precious mosaic pavements in the crypt and presbytery. The ciborium, the most ancient in the region, is also decorated with mosaic; it has four columns with foliage, animals and mythological figures. The crypt, with 26 columns sporting capitals in Byzantine and Romanesque style, houses the relics of Saint Nicholas.In the church there is a 16th-century Renaissance tomb of Bona Sforza, Queen of Poland, made from marble. The Museum of the Basilica has valuable works of art, including a collection of twelfth-century candelabras donated by King Charles I of Anjou. The church was restored in the late 13th century, in 1456 and in the 17th century. In the 20th-century restoration, most of the Baroque additions were removed, leaving only the gilded wooden ceiling, enframing canvases by Carlo De Rosa.

Great architecture and artwork. I have never been so close to religious relics - it was a powerful experience. Gentlemen: please remove your hats. It is also customary to cover shoulders and knees. Honestly still trying to figure out the unusual lack of symmetry with columns - have to do some more research!

Saint Nicolas is a Roman Catholic amd Eastern Orthodox saint. The patron saint of Christmas, Saint Nicolas is known as “Santa Claus” to many. Widely known and accepted as a miracle worker for those in need, whether sailors, children, those suffering mental anguish or depression, many have made pilgrimages to this place in search of the manna and holy oil. Every year, only May 9, the bones of Saint Nicolas provide a consecrated liquid known as “the manna of Saint Nicolas”. This liquid was scientifically tested in 1925 and found to primarily consist of water in contact with the Saint’s bones. The bones of Saint Nicolas are housed in the bottom floor of this church. In this area there are multiple pews and areas for prayer. If you wish to stand in line to make pilgrimage to the bones, be prepared to wait. On a not crowded day, the line was 25 in front of us. Each person takes approximately 3-4 minutes with the bones. Eastern Orthodox women have their head covered, as is their tradition, but Catholic women are in no way obligated to cover our heads, as this is not our practice. Suffice to say, all are welcomed here. The holy manna, oil and holy water are highly sought after commodities for those seeking healing, whether spiritual, emotional, physical or psychological. Single bottles of oil are available for purchase in the gift shop. Prince range according to size. The smallest bottle is €3, which is also available in packs of three and five inside a plastic pouch. For heavy duty problems which will require more oil, larger amounts are available or but be prepared to pay. If you are standing facing the church, the gift shop is to the right, in the next building over. Bathrooms are in the rear of the church, available for €1 per person. Children also must pay this fee, unlike other places in Italy where the child is allowed entry free with the paying mother.

A beautiful and impressive church in the heart of Bari. The architecture is stunning, with a magnificent stone façade and a large rose window that really stands out. The square in front of the church is lively and a great place to sit, relax, and admire the building while watching local life and visitors passing by. Definitely a must-see when visiting Bari.