From the first Serbian Nemanjich dynasty we have many testimonies of the gifts to church Everything has become especially some of the Holy King Milutin (Stefan Uros II), when referring to more improved. Milutin gave us a very important thing – silver altar of silver weighs 600 pounds. In fact , the tomb , the stone altar of St. Nicholas , it was covered with a silver altar in the form of a cover which was a part of the whole chapel Serbian minted from silver from Novo Brdo Stefan Uros II Milutin and Stefan Uros III of Decani , but in our Basilica have the emperor Dusan that on this parchment , which stands in front of me , call on their ancestors , which is a clear proof that relations with us in history were long . He wrote this letter a number of pilgrims to the tomb of Saint Nicholas and gives our Basilica. After placing under administration of Dubrovnik, which is not occupied by Emperor Dushan , but had to settle instead of military conflict , Dubrovnik pay their taxes , much of this tax Emperor Dusan gives our church. With him they went to visit two of our well-known priest of the time and got the Emperor Dusan, in 1346. , in Skopje , just in the year of the foundation Serbian empire and patriarchy , the document on the payment of taxes to our Church . The wording of the Latin language shows that the relations between the basilica and Serbia at that time were very close, and that the former relations between Serbia and the church were very common, because how else realize that some ordinary Catholic priest went with an orthodox emperor and required contributions? This proves that there was ongoing contact between the basilica and the Serbian court and because all of these elements are very important , because they indicate the continuity of the relationship with the Serbian rulers. On the parchment of our church inventory we have about ten or twelve gifts mentioned Serbian rulers , but the church remained only three major tracks: the first is a silver altar , which is 1684th he was completely melted down and re- built in the Neapolitan Baroque style . So we lost a Serb masterpiece of Byzantine character, although the current design of the altar and is considered a masterpiece of Neapolitan art in the processing of silver. There are still those who ignore that Serbia itself had the largest and deepest relationships with you at that time ? – In our inventory on parchment in 1361, you see how big this document , more than five meters , are listed all the gifts of Serbian kings that came to us in this church . It is often quoted that the gift of kings ” Sklavonije ,” one would say today Slavonia. However, this has nothing to do with Croatia, it does not apply to Croatia . It is absolutely the case for Serbia , because at that time we did not have any relations with Croatia. We only had a small trademarks , in Barletta , north, and in all this part of southern Italy, from Barletta down , including the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, primarily whole Puglia , we had solely to the Adriatic coast , and above all...
Read moreBari Old Town, located in southern Italy, has a rich historical legacy dating back to ancient times. Founded by the Peucetians, it later became a significant Roman port. Over the centuries, it witnessed Byzantine, Norman, and Spanish influences. Bari Old Town boasts architectural marvels like the Basilica di San Nicola and the Swabian Castle, along with narrow alleys and charming squares. Today, it stands as a living testament to its diverse cultural heritage and storied past.
From atop my lofty perch, I gaze, Over the enchanting Bari Old Town maze. I, Basilica di San Nicola, stand tall, A witness to the tales that time recalls.
Within these ancient walls, stories reside, Whispered secrets of a vibrant tide. Centuries have danced upon my floors, A sanctuary where faith forever soars.
In Bari Old Town, a tapestry unfolds, Where history's treasures and legends behold. Narrow alleys bustling with life's embrace, An ode to the past, an inviting grace.
Through wars and triumphs, I've stood firm, A beacon of hope, where spirits affirm. My domes reach for the heavens above, A testament to faith, unyielding love.
The Adriatic whispers tales on the breeze, Echoing the grandeur of ancient seas. Saluting fishermen with each gentle wave, Their toils embraced, their dreams I save.
Oh, Bari Old Town, an embrace so tight, Where cultures converge, a vibrant sight. I watch as life unfurls its grand parade, A harmonious blend, where diversity is laid.
The aroma of freshly baked bread fills the air, Mingling with laughter and stories to share. I stand as a guardian, a symbol of peace, Preserving traditions that will never cease.
From the bustling streets to the tranquil square, A fusion of past and present, a love affair. I, Basilica di San Nicola, hold the key, To the soul of Bari Old Town, forever free.
So come, wanderers, seekers of wonder, Discover the tales that Bari holds under. Feel the heartbeat of this timeless place, As history and faith interlace.
From my perch, I'll continue to oversee, The eternal embrace of Bari's mystery. In Bari Old Town, the past and future unite, An everlasting treasure, bathed in...
Read moreThe Pontifical Basilica of Saint Nicholas (Basilica of Saint Nicholas) is a church in Bari, southern Italy that holds wide religious significance throughout Europe and the Christian world. The basilica is an important pilgrimage destination both for Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians. The basilica was built between 1087 and 1197, during the Italo-Norman domination of Apulia, the area previously occupied by the Byzantine Catapan of which Bari was the seat. Its foundation is related to the recovery of some of the relics of Saint Nicholas from the saint’s original shrine in Myra, in what is now Turkey. When Myra passed into the hands of the Saracens, some saw it as an opportunity to move the saint's relics to a safer location. According to the justifying legend, the saint, passing by the city on his way to Rome, had chosen Bari as his burial place. There was great competition for the relics between Venice and Bari. The latter won, the relics were carried off under the noses of the lawful Greek custodians and their Muslim masters, and on May 9, 1087, were safely landed at Bari. A new church was built to shelter Nicholas' remains and Pope Urban II was present at the consecration of the crypt in 1089. The edifice was officially consecrated in 1197, in the presence of the Imperial Vicar, Bishop Conrad of Hildesheim, and of numerous bishops, prelates and noblemen. Elias, abbot of the nearby monastery of Saint Benedict, was named as first archbishop. His cathedra (bishop's throne) still stands in the church. Mediaval Serbian dynasty Nemanjic were significant...
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