Basilica of Saint Nicholas in Bari: a journey through history, spirituality and wonder
Behold Apulian Romanesque architecture in a place that combines sacredness, art and culture in the center of Bari Vecchia.
Basilica of Saint Nicholas in Bari: the tickets most chosen by travelers
Basilica of Saint Nicholas: History and Devotion
The Basilica of Saint Nicholas in Bari is a masterpiece of Apulian Romanesque architecture, built between 1087 and 1197. Its construction is closely tied to the arrival of Saint Nicholas’ relics, which were taken by sixty-two sailors from Bari from Myra, in Lycia (modern-day Turkey), and brought to Bari on May 9, 1087. To house these sacred relics, Abbot Elia, with the local people's support, initiated the basilica construction on the site of the Corte del Catapano, the palace of the Byzantine governor.
Work began that same year, and by 1089, the crypt was ready to be consecrated by Pope Urban II, who placed the saint’s relics beneath the high altar. The basilica soon became a significant place of worship for both Catholic and Orthodox believers, as well as a symbol of ecumenical unity.
Its imposing structure, featuring a stark facade and two massive towers, reflects the Norman influence of the time. Inside, the presence of the oldest ciborium in the region and the episcopal throne of Abbot Elia showcase the site's rich artistic and historical heritage. Today, the Basilica of Saint Nicholas remains a major pilgrimage destination for devotees worldwide and an architectural gem at the heart of Bari.
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Helpful Information for Visiting the Basilica of Saint Nicholas in Bari
Opening Hours
The Basilica of Saint Nicholas is open to visitors during the following hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 6:30 AM – 8:30 PM
- Sunday: 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Mass Schedule
- Weekdays: 7:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 6:30 PM
- Holidays and Sundays: 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM (suspended from July to September), 6:30 PM, 8:30 PM
Reservations
Enhance your visit by joining a guided tour of the basilica and crypt. It is highly recommended to book in advance, especially for large groups (minimum of 20 participants).
Access to the Basilica
The main entrance to the Basilica of Saint Nicholas is located at Largo Abate Elia, 13, in Bari’s historic center.
- By Car: remember that the area may have traffic restrictions. It’s best to park in the surrounding areas and walk to the basilica.
- By Public Transport: the closest bus stops are just a short walk away, served by multiple urban bus lines.
Basilica of Saint Nicholas in Bari: tips for your visit
Frequently Asked Questions About the Basilica of Saint Nicholas in Bari
What does the Basilica of Saint Nicholas look like?
The Basilica of Saint Nicholas in Bari is a remarkable example of Apulian Romanesque architecture. Its majestic yet simple facade is divided into three sections by pilasters, crowned with decorative arches, and features twin-arched windows at the top. The lower part has three portals, with the central one richly sculpted and supported by columns with a canopy. Flanking the façade are two unfinished bell towers, each with a distinct design.
Inside, the basilica follows a Latin cross-floor plan, divided into three naves by a series of columns and supporting pillars. The central nave is adorned with a magnificent wooden ceiling, lavishly decorated by Bitonto-born painter Carlo Rosa. At the far end, the main altar is topped by the oldest ciborium in Puglia (12th century), while the apse houses the Cattedra di Elia, a marble episcopal throne dating back to the late 11th – early 12th century.
Beneath the basilica, the crypt is supported by 26 columns with Byzantine and Romanesque capitals. This sacred space holds the relics of Saint Nicholas, making the basilica a major pilgrimage destination for devotees from all over the world.
Why is Saint Nicholas buried in Bari?
In 1087, a group of sailors from Bari transported the relics of Saint Nicholas from Myra (in present-day Turkey) to their city. This transfer was intended to protect the saint’s remains from Muslim invasions and to elevate Bari’s religious and commercial significance. The relics were received with deep devotion, and to honor them, the Basilica of Saint Nicholas was built, becoming a major pilgrimage site.
When is the Feast of Saint Nicholas celebrated in Bari, and what are the traditions?
In Bari, the Feast of Saint Nicholas is celebrated twice a year: from May 7 to 9, commemorating the transfer of his relics from Myra in 1087, and on December 6, marking the anniversary of his death.
The May celebrations include a historical reenactment of the relics’ arrival, featuring a procession at sea carrying the statue of the saint. Religious events, performances, traditional Barese street food, music, and exhibitions follow this.
On December 6, the day begins at dawn with a solemn Mass at the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, followed by a visit to the crypt and the traditional breakfast of hot chocolate and local pastries in the streets of the historic center.
What is the Manna of Saint Nicholas?
The Manna of Saint Nicholas is a clear liquid that forms in the saint’s tomb, located in the crypt of the Basilica of Saint Nicholas in Bari. This phenomenon has been observed since the Middle Ages and continues to occur annually, particularly around May 9, the anniversary of the transfer of his relics.
Believers attribute miraculous properties to the manna, considering it a sign of Saint Nicholas’ enduring spiritual presence. Scientific analyses have determined that it is almost pure water, though its origin remains a subject of devotion and mystery.
How to Get to the Basilica of Saint Nicholas in Bari
The Basilica of Saint Nicholas is located at Largo Abate Elia 13, in the heart of Bari’s historic center. Here’s how you can reach it:
On Foot
You can walk to the basilica from Bari Centrale Train Station in about 20 minutes. Follow Corso Vittorio Emanuele II to Piazza del Ferrarese, enter the Old Town and follow the signs to the basilica.
By Bus
From the train station, take AMTAB Line 50 towards Bari - Corso Antonio De Tullio 40 (Porto Di Bari) R. The closest stop, De Tullio (Porto), is about a 2-minute walk from the basilica.
By Car
If you're driving, keep in mind that the basilica is located in a Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL). You can park at SABA Porto Parking on Corso Vittorio Veneto 5, open 24/7, and walk about 10 minutes to the basilica.
By Taxi
A taxi is a fast and convenient way to reach the basilica from the train station or anywhere else in the city.
Before your visit, check public transportation schedules and any potential traffic restrictions, especially during holidays or special events.
Festival of Saint Nicholas in Bari: all you need to know
Solemn functions and popular traditions set the scene for Christmas in Bari on December 6th dawn celebrating Nicholas, the 'saint of all people'.
Vedi ❯Recommended Experiences for Visiting the Basilica of Saint Nicholas
To explore the Basilica of Saint Nicholas and its fascinating crypt, you can join a guided tour that will give you deeper insight into the history and traditions of this sacred place.
- Guided Tour of the Basilica of Saint Nicholas and Crypt. This 1-hour and 15-minute immersive experience includes entry to both the Basilica and its crypt, accompanied by an expert guide available in Italian, English, or French. The tour is limited to 20 participants, ensuring an intimate and enriching experience. It is also wheelchair accessible.
When booking, you can enhance your visit with an extra experience. Choose a guided tour of Palazzo Simi, a medieval palace that tells the story of Bari’s past, or explore the Nicolaian Museum, which is dedicated to the legacy of Saint Nicholas and his global religious significance.
Discover Apulian Romanesque Architecture
Flourishing between the 11th and 13th centuries, Apulian Romanesque architecture has left an indelible mark on the region’s artistic landscape. Beyond the renowned Basilica of Saint Nicholas in Bari, many other cathedrals showcase the richness of this architectural style.
The Cathedral of Trani, dedicated to Saint Nicholas the Pilgrim, stands out for its scenic seafront location and its bright limestone façade, which gives it a striking, luminous appearance. The structure features an elegant rose window and a slender bell tower, both hallmarks of Apulian Romanesque architecture.
In Bitonto, the cathedral is a masterpiece of local Romanesque design. Its façade is adorned with a finely carved portal and a rose window decorated with symbolic figures, including a pelican, an emblem of Christ’s sacrifice. Inside, an intricately crafted pulpit showcases the artisanship of the era.
The Cathedral of Ruvo di Puglia is another outstanding example, featuring a highly detailed rose window and sculptures of mythical creatures. The interior houses a richly decorated pulpit and remnants of medieval frescoes.
These cathedrals, along with those in Troia, Altamura, and Otranto, offer a fascinating journey through medieval art and spirituality, highlighting the importance of Romanesque architecture in shaping Puglia’s cultural identity.
Curiosities About the Basilica of Saint Nicholas in Bari
The Basilica of Saint Nicholas in Bari is filled with historical, artistic, and religious curiosities that make it a truly unique place. Here are some lesser-known facts and fascinating details:
Manna of Saint Nicholas
Every year, approximately half a liter of manna is collected from the saint’s tomb, a pure liquid considered miraculous by the faithful. This phenomenon has been documented continuously since the death of Saint Nicholas in 337 AD. The manna is still preserved and distributed to worshippers during special celebrations.
Arabic Inscriptions in the Walls
Among the construction materials of the basilica, bricks with Arabic inscriptions can be found embedded in the walls. These elements reflect Bari’s medieval trade and cultural exchanges with the Islamic world, showcasing the city's historical significance as a crossroads of civilizations.
The Miraculous Column
Inside the basilica, there is a column believed to have healing powers. Pilgrims have been touching it for centuries, convinced of its miraculous properties. This red marble column, enclosed within an iron grate, is located in the crypt of the basilica. Up until 1953, it stood in place of the second column on the right.
According to medieval tradition, Saint Nicholas himself took the column from a demolished house in Rome and miraculously floated it across the sea to Bari, where he personally placed it in the basilica with the help of angels. Another version of the legend states that the column was transported by oxen carrying the saint’s relics.
The Cryptogram of Saint Nicholas
Another mystery surrounding the basilica is the Cryptogram of Saint Nicholas. It is engraved on a silver plate covering the altar created by Domenico Marinelli in 1684, located in the right transept of the basilica. The cryptogram consists of 624 Latin characters arranged in an apparently random order, with some letters even written backward. This has led to numerous attempts at deciphering its meaning, though no definitive solution has ever been found.
Over the years, various scholars have put forth interpretations of the cryptogram. One of the most well-known theories comes from Vincenzo dell’Aere and Pierfrancesco Rescio, who suggested that the inscription contains a message about the location of hidden relics in the crypt of Myra and other sacred sites.
Unusual Relics
In addition to the bones of Saint Nicholas, the basilica also houses relics of other saints, including Saint Thomas the Apostle and Saint Vincent. It also preserves objects linked to the Passion of Christ, such as a fragment of the True Cross and a thorn from the Crown of Thorns.
The Mausoleum of Bona Sforza
Behind the main altar, visitors can find the funeral monument of Bona Sforza, Queen of Poland and Duchess of Bari. Made from Carrara marble, the monument depicts her kneeling in prayer, reflecting the city’s historical ties to European nobility.
Fusion of Cultural Styles
The basilica serves as a bridge between East and West: while its exterior showcases Romanesque-Norman architecture, the interior features Byzantine influences, such as the ornate iconostasis and intricate mosaics. This blend of styles reflects Bari’s role as a Mediterranean crossroads, where diverse cultures have converged for centuries.
The Throne of Abbot Elia
In the right nave, visitors can admire the Throne of Abbot Elia, a 12th-century episcopal seat intricately carved with fine detail. Commissioned for the Council of Bari in 1098, it symbolizes the religious and political authority of its time.