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Basilica San Nicola, Bari

4.7
#1 of 842 in Historic Sites in Puglia
Must see · Religious Site · Church
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A pilgrimage destination for Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox Christians, Basilica San Nicola was constructed in the 11th and 12th centuries. The origins of the basilica are steeped in legend--one is that St. Nicolas passed by Bari on his way to Rome and declared that it would be his final resting place. Today, the structure houses one of the most notable Romanesque sculptural works in southern Italy: a bishop's throne. Walk over mosaic pathways and between the two vast towers that give the church the appearance of a castle. It actually was used as a castle on four separate occasions. Plan to visit Basilica San Nicola during your Bari vacation using our convenient Bari trip website.
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  • Very large Cathedral with unusual interior which includes large arches crossing the nave and a baroque painted ceiling. The vast crypt includes relics of Saint Nicholas 
    Very large Cathedral with unusual interior which includes large arches crossing the nave and a baroque painted ceiling. The vast crypt includes relics of Saint Nicholas  more »
  • The plaza in front allows beautiful pictures, and among them the saint’s sculpture. As the cathedral, the Romanesque style had reach its peak, with high, open spaces. The Baroque cieling, even as... 
    The plaza in front allows beautiful pictures, and among them the saint’s sculpture. As the cathedral, the Romanesque style had reach its peak, with high, open spaces. The Baroque cieling, even as...  more »
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  • 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.
  • 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.

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