James Gaston

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Basilica of Saint Nicholas 4 Nov 2024 Basilica of Saint Nicholas 4 Nov 2024 Bari --

When touring Italy, even an atheist will likely spend some time in church, if only to admire the architecture and the art, and grasp some of the history and culture. So here we are at Bari's largest and most significant church, the Basilica of Saint Nicholas. Built between 1087 and 1197, the basilica looks rather like a castle, a role it has played in the past.

Saint Nicholas, according to Wikipedia, is the patron saint of almost everyone, such as sailors, merchants, archers, repentant thieves, children, brewers, pawnbrokers, toymakers, unmarried people, and students. He is also credited with a habit of secret gift giving, thus giving rise to the folklore of Santa Claus.

Saint Nicholas' skeleton, or at least part of it, is said to rest beneath the Basilica, thanks to the Baresi sailors who stole his bones in 1087 and moved them to their town.

Of course, all this sounds like a fantasy to me. Nevertheless, I say thank you Saint Nick, for all the wonderful gifts I received as a child, if only because the myth inspires parents to treat their kids to new toys. I knew all along that the gifts came from mom and dad, not a guy riding a sled pulled by reindeer.

Basilica of Saint Nicholas

Saint Nicholas

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