Basilica di San Nicola, Bari
Bar Harbor, Italy
About This Activity
The Basilica di San Nicola (1087–1197) is southern Italy's finest Romanesque church and one of Europe's major pilgrimage sites — Saint Nicholas (the historical Santa Claus) was brought here from Myra in modern Turkey by Bari sailors. The austere twin-towered facade leads to a serene three-nave interior and a richly decorated crypt where the saint's bones rest beneath an 11th-century altar. Entry to the basilica and crypt is free; the attached museum (small fee) holds Byzantine icons and medieval art. Both Catholic and Orthodox Christians venerate this site, giving it an interfaith atmosphere unlike most Italian churches.
Seasonal note: Year-round; major feast day May 9 draws large Orthodox pilgrim crowds
See This in an Itinerary
This activity appears in 15 of our curated itineraries.
Best 3 Days in Italy — from Bari
Bari → Rome
Best 3 Days in Italy — from Bari (Saturday Start)
Bari → Rome
Best 3 Days in Italy — from Bari (Sunday Start)
Bari → Rome
Best 5 Days in Italy — from Bari
Bari → Rome → Florence → Venice
Best 5 Days in Italy — from Bari (Saturday Start)
Bari → Rome → Florence → Venice
Best 5 Days in Italy — from Bari (Sunday Start)
Bari → Rome → Florence → Venice
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