Basilica San Nicola

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.

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.

This was super pretty and really interesting. St. Nicholas's ashes are placed here, after they were moved from Myra, Turkey. The paintings were also really pretty and the statues were also beautiful. You should come here, although it's pretty hard to take nice photos because of the dim lighting and the praying people.

This is a grand but calming place where sitting in a pew quietly is possible despite the people around you. There are relics and of course the Crypt of San Nicola to see. The piazza nearby is also lovely

A beautiful, huge church with an amusing history. The juxtaposition of two religions is interesting - Catholic masses are held upstairs and Orthodox masses on the lower floor.

Beautiful on the main floor and The Orthodox crypt feels very peaceful. Arrived right before mass as they were setting up but still got to pay respects and say a prayer with St. Nicola.

A beautiful basilica, decorated ornately and very peaceful. The tomb where Saint Nicolas is laid to rest is very quiet and calming.

The Basilica of Saint Nicholas in Bari, Puglia, is a 12th-century Romanesque masterpiece and a major pilgrimage site , housing the relics of St. Nicholas of Myra (the inspiration for Santa Claus). Key highlights include: - History : Built (1087–1197) to enshrine St. Nicholas’ bones, brought from Turkey by Bari’s sailors. - Architecture : Striking white limestone façade, twin towers, and a crypt holding the saint’s tomb. - Relics & Miracles : The tomb emits "manna" (a sacred liquid), collected annually. - Ecumenical Role : Revered by Catholics and Orthodox Christians; hosted a historic 2018 meeting between Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill. - Art : Features medieval treasures like the Cathedra of Elias and Byzantine frescoes. - Festivals : The Festa di San Nicola (May 6–9) includes processions and celebrations. When visiting dress modestly, check Mass times, and explore nearby Bari Vecchia and the Adriatic waterfront. A must-see for history, art, and spirituality!