Museo Nicolaiano

About the museum

The Museo Nicolaiano in Bari preserves the historical and artistic heritage linked to the Basilica of San Nicola, which over the centuries had accumulated a treasure of objects donated by illustrious guests. From the nineties of the 20th century much of these items were almost inaccessible because of structural problems and the risk of theft; in 2007 it was therefore decided to create a museum to preserve and showcase them. The museum was inaugurated on 6 February 2010.

The rooms, which date from the 13th century, are located behind the Basilica, near the arch that marks the Cittadella Nicolaiana, in the building known as the Ospizio dei Pellegrini, which until 1979 housed the Accademia Nicolaiana. In 2019 the route was renewed with a new display and information on the life of the saint.

The ground floor reconstructs the history of the Basilica with artefacts, documents and inscriptions from the antique, Byzantine and Romanesque periods; the first floor houses ex-votos and contemporary artworks; the upper floor presents a selection of the treasure, illustrating the evolution of the iconography of Saint Nicholas and his relationship with Bari. Among the pieces mentioned are an enamelled crown of Roger the Norman, a gold seal of Charles of Anjou, Byzantine coins, an 11th-century stylophorous lion (a lion bearing a column), documents from the Archivio Nicolaiano and sacred icons.

Highlights

• Enamelled crown of Roger the Norman
• Gold seal of Charles of Anjou
• 11th-century stylophorous lion and Roman sculptures
• Documents from the Archivio Nicolaiano and sacred icons
• Phials containing the manna of Saint Nicholas
• Ex-votos and contemporary art

Permanent exhibition

• Collezione permanente del Museo Nicolaiano – Three floors devoted to the history of the Basilica, to the ex-votos and to the treasure of Saint Nicholas, with documents, icons and precious metalwork.

Founded

2010

Operated by

Basilica Pontificia di San Nicola, con l'Accademia Cittadella Nicolaiana Onlus

Visitors per year

approx. 3,500

Admission & discounts

Listed prices: standard €8, reduced €3; the categories eligible for the reduced ticket are not published.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Services listed include a café.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

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