Basilica San Nicola

Intimidating place and history, makes you realise how small we are and also how important is to lead a good life . We visited in December so there were no crowds but probably in high season there would be many more people.

Request to future visitors: Please do not forget this is a place of faith not a photobooth. Thanks

Basilica of San Nicola was on top of my list in Bari and the very first thing we've visited in this port city. St. Nicholas is my mother's family Patron Saint so it was a pilgrimage visit to pay our respects.
The Basilica is set in the old town, built in a Norman Romanesque style as early as 11c. The Piazza in front is rather small compared to huge Church, so it's pretty difficult to capture it. There's a monument on it dedicated to St. Nicholas - the Miracle maker.
Interiors are huge with big columns and uneven arches with wood/gold decorated ceiling and beautiful altar.
Downstairs in the crypt are the Saint's relics with his remains. Free entry

One of the most recognizable landmarks of Bari. Beautiful basilica dedicated to Saint Nicholas. A suitable place for prayer and contemplation. in the basement there is the tomb of Saint Nicolas.

I could’nt see it from inside but even from outside the architecture is amazing, lovely old streets in Bari!

By the way if you didn’t watched the italian Movie Baaria then definitelely recommended.

Wonderful architecture and style!
For photographers: the light is excellent at sunset as the façade is west-faced.
Very peculiar interiors with a huge statue of St. Nicola. Worth a visit!

Bari's signature basilica was one of the first Norman churches to be built in southern Italy, and is a splendid (if square and solid) example of Pugliese-Romanesque architecture. Dating to the 12th century, it was originally constructed to house the relics of St Nicholas (better known as Father Christmas), which were stolen from Turkey in 1087 by local fishing folk. Today, it is an important place of pilgrimage for both Catholics and Orthodox Christians.

Bari's signature basilica was one of the first Norman churches to be built in southern Italy, and is a splendid (if square and solid) example of Pugliese-Romanesque architecture. Dating to the 12th century, it was originally constructed to house the relics of St Nicholas (better known as Father Christmas), which were stolen from Turkey in 1087 by local fishing folk. Today, it is an important place of pilgrimage for both Catholics and Orthodox Christians.

place of worship, the church of St. Nicholas, the saint who was stolen and taken to Bari because the Bares really wanted a protector of theirs. There is an Orthodox church in the original church, then build a second church with a Catholic rite over the other Orthodox one. If you get to sea, don't hesitate to visit the relics of Saint Nicolae and the Orthodox church in Byzantine style.

Located in the old town it is the main Basilica in Bari to visit. It has a beautiful structure inside and out with high ceilings with historical artwork. Free entry.

Amazing Romanesque building, both exteriors and interiors. Definitely not to be missed.

Bari Old Town, located in southern Italy, has a rich historical legacy dating back to ancient times. Founded by the Peucetians, it later became a significant Roman port. Over the centuries, it witnessed Byzantine, Norman, and Spanish influences. Bari Old Town boasts architectural marvels like the Basilica di San Nicola and the Swabian Castle, along with narrow alleys and charming squares. Today, it stands as a living testament to its diverse cultural heritage and storied past.

From atop my lofty perch, I gaze,
Over the enchanting Bari Old Town maze.
I, Basilica di San Nicola, stand tall,
A witness to the tales that time recalls.

Within these ancient walls, stories reside,
Whispered secrets of a vibrant tide.
Centuries have danced upon my floors,
A sanctuary where faith forever soars.

In Bari Old Town, a tapestry unfolds,
Where history's treasures and legends behold.
Narrow alleys bustling with life's embrace,
An ode to the past, an inviting grace.

Through wars and triumphs, I've stood firm,
A beacon of hope, where spirits affirm.
My domes reach for the heavens above,
A testament to faith, unyielding love.

The Adriatic whispers tales on the breeze,
Echoing the grandeur of ancient seas.
Saluting fishermen with each gentle wave,
Their toils embraced, their dreams I save.

Oh, Bari Old Town, an embrace so tight,
Where cultures converge, a vibrant sight.
I watch as life unfurls its grand parade,
A harmonious blend, where diversity is laid.

The aroma of freshly baked bread fills the air,
Mingling with laughter and stories to share.
I stand as a guardian, a symbol of peace,
Preserving traditions that will never cease.

From the bustling streets to the tranquil square,
A fusion of past and present, a love affair.
I, Basilica di San Nicola, hold the key,
To the soul of Bari Old Town, forever free.

So come, wanderers, seekers of wonder,
Discover the tales that Bari holds under.
Feel the heartbeat of this timeless place,
As history and faith interlace.

From my perch, I'll continue to oversee,
The eternal embrace of Bari's mystery.
In Bari Old Town, the past and future unite,
An everlasting treasure, bathed in eternal light.

Such a pretty church, very well maintained
Come during the morning to avoid crowds

One of the rear Christian churches where you can feel the ancient spirit of all Christians. The place of peace with the holy relics of the most popular saints of the religious roots - Saint Nicholaus. Highly recommended!

Many people say there is nothing to do in Bari. But they are misinformed. This church was built around 1100 and is the second oldest church in Bari
For more than 900 years, his bones have lain in a crypt in the Italian city of Bari. But now, after an historic agreement between the Catholic Pope and the Orthodox Patriarch, one of St Nicholas' ribs is on loan to Russia.
There is a large statue of San Nicola outside the church. San Nicola is highly revered in Russia. This statue was made at the direction of Vladimir Putin and given to the church in 2002. There are inscriptions of what the statue is in italian and Russian. When Russia invaded the Ukraine last year the mayor of Bari had the plaque of Vladimir Putin removed from the base of the statue.
His bones are in a tomb that is quite impressive. Nicola was born and died in turkey but was of Greek descent.

This is wonderful monument of Romanesque architecture and medieval history of XII century. The same time that Basilica is the Place of Religious Christian pilgrimage because in the crypt you are going to find the Holy Relics of Saint Nicholas. North portal decorated with the tympanum where you can see a lot of mounted and dismounted Norman Knights of XII century. That basilica is another trace of Norman culture and architecture in South Italy. Admission is free but any donation is welcomed and highly appreciated. Visitors are allowed to take non commercial photo without flash light.

We're here during a service. Really impressive. Relics are hidden behind the fence, but because of the service the fence was open.

The absolutely beautiful basilica with amazing energy and architecture. I ve been there 3 days out if 3 in Bari! They have service at 6 pm in a basement, if you want to join.

Very old and beautiful, the more famous St Nicholas is here, and a busy pilgrimage spot for Christians and Orthodox. Large piazza in front by the sea looking to a medeival fortress.

A typical Apulian Basílica with Byzantine influences wood and white stones. San interés ring russian church Is placed in the basement

Beautifull basilic with the tomb of Saint Nicolas, the crypté is splendide and it really à must to visit while you are in bari