Basilica San Nicola

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.

Interesting church, a bit plain on the outside (Norman influence?) and quite interestingly odd inside due to a simple granite superstructure that is not aligned and synchronized as you would typically see. The main support arches are not parallel to each other, and the gloriously ornate ceiling looks like it's from a different style church altogether! Quite different but worth a look. Then the crypt of St Nicola was nice but not obviously a tomb or reliqui. I'm not sure what I was missing. Still, a nice stop while meandering through town.

🇮🇹 Bari, Italy We visited the Basilica of Saint Nicholas — one of the most revered places in Europe. Saint Nicholas lived in the city of Myra (now Turkey) and was a bishop known for his kindness and miracles. After his death, his relics remained there for centuries. In 1087, Italian sailors from Bari brought his relics to Italy to protect them from possible destruction. Since then, the Saint’s remains have been kept here, and the Basilica has become a major pilgrimage site for both Catholics and Orthodox Christians. The Basilica has two levels: the upper church for services and the lower crypt where the Saint’s relics rest. The crypt is quiet, dim, and filled with the scent of incense — even without knowing all the details, you can feel a deep sense of peace. Every year, on May 9, a miraculous fragrant oil — the Manna of Saint Nicholas — seeps from his tomb. Monks collect it and treat it as a sacred relic. According to ancient tradition, an icon of the Saint once “wept” this holy oil — a sign of his living presence and a reminder that miracles are still among us. The story of Saint Nicholas later inspired the legend of Santa Claus 🎅 — the man who brings joy and gifts to the world. ✨

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!

I'm a fan of visiting churches but this one with the tomb of Saint Nicholas is worth the visit. We arrived when people were being allowed to pay respects/worship at the tomb. Fascinating dedication to witness. The basilica itself is quite lovely and well worth the time to explore. Even if you don't venerate the person.

Interesting Basilica with white marble interior. The crypt is the highlight with the tomb of San Nicola. It can get crowded with large numbers of tour group, so pick your time to go down. The multi-colored columns are interment too. This church is free to enter unlike the cathedral.

Saw Santa Claus tomb. Once people were told to be quiet it was good to sit and pray. A wedding was taking place one day within the cathedral.

A very historical church that sits in the middle of many shops, restaurants and vendors. We went in October, so the weather was perfect.