In the heart of the city, in what is known as the citadella nicolaiana, the San Nicola basilica was built between 1087 and 1197 to house the relics of Saint Nicolas, bishop of Myre, in Asia Minor, whom sailors from Bari had taken back with them.
Considered as one of the most remarkable Roman constructions in southern Italy, this church served as a model for all of the religious architecture in the region.
It has a sober, powerful façade, flanked with two towers. Only a few gemelled openings and a sculpted doorway, whose columns are supported by bulls, decorate the façade. A second doorway also deserves your attention: the richly sculpted Lions' doorway, on the left side of the building.
The interior volume is divided into three aisles. Looking upwards, you can admire a beautiful coffered ceiling, which was added in the 17C. A 12C canopy (ciborium) surmounts the main altar, behind which stands the 11C white marble episcopal throne. The chapel on the left side contains works by the Venetian artists, Bartolomeo Vivarini and Costantino da Monopoli (Saint Jerome in his Study).
The crypt, which contains the tomb of Saint Nicolas, is supported by marble columns crowned with beautiful capitals, sculpted with a wealth of various motifs.