Last post I told you about the imposing Basilica of Saint Nicholas and how its exteriors fully reflect the architectural styles of the time: the Apulia's Romanesque architecture.
But the simple exterior hides some surprises with its very interesting interior.
And that's what I will speak in this post.
Once they enter the Basilica, all tourists and faithful have to do is look up to enjoy the wooden ceiling of the church: it is rich of frescos and pictures and it is really quite impossible not to remain enchanted to admire so much artistic shine.
The church has a cruciform groundplan and is divided longitudinally into three naves by columns and pillars in the form of the so-called Latin Tau Cross.
The Basilica’s Chapel of the Relics is on the right side when entering the church; it houses the relics of various Saints as well as a collection of chalices lamps, liturgical instruments and vestments, crosses and icons.
The end of the main aisle features an imposing altar which is surmounted by what is thought to be the oldest ciborium in Apulia, dating back to 1150 AD.
In a raised position above the floor on the pillars of the right nave, a beautiful wooden pulpit is located. It was painted in 1655 and amongst diverse valuable paintings, it contains depictions of the Immaculate Conception, St. Anthony, St. Christopher and St. Nicholas.
In the apse to the right of the main Altar, you can admire frescos painting of 14th century.
In the right transept there is the Silver Altar dating back to 1319; it was donated to the Basilica by the Czar of Serbia in order to cover Saint Nicholas grave in the crypt.
In the left aisle it is placed a large statue of Saint Nicholas which is also used by the faithful as offertory; it's also a place in which prayers are addressed to the Saint.
It is a church worth visiting, because there are so many artwork to discover..
Two marble staircases in the lateral naves lead down to the crypt, but I'll tell you about that on the next post!
Some photos contain some Lightroom post processing.
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