Faith, the Sea, and Tradition
St. Nicholas and
Baia Sangiorgio
A history spanning nearly a thousand years that inextricably links this bay to the city of Bari, its sea, and its patron saint.
A history spanning nearly a thousand years
The Saint of Bari,
The Sea of San Giorgio
According to tradition, this stretch of coastline was one of the first stops on the journey that brought the relics of Saint Nicholas of Myra to Bari in 1087. It is a connection that the city continues to honor today, every May 7.
The Painting1087
The port just before Bari
According to contemporary accounts, the sailors from Bari who were transporting the relics of Saint Nicholas stopped at the small port of San Giorgio before continuing on to Bari. Since then, this place has held a special place in the memory and tradition of Saint Nicholas.
The Embarkation of the PaintingEvery May 7
The party starts here
The painting of St. Nicholas is welcomed into the small chapel at Baia Sangiorgio and venerated by the faithful. In the afternoon, after the procession to the sea and the celebration of Holy Mass, the image of the saint is loaded onto a boat bound for Bari.
A Living Tradition
From the Sea Toward Bari
The fishing boat carrying the image of Saint Nicholas is accompanied by numerous boats decked out in festive decorations. Its arrival at the Sant’Antonio pier kicks off the city’s celebrations and revives a tradition deeply rooted in Bari’s identity.
Baia Sangiorgio
A story that continues.
Every year, by the sea.
Faith, memory, and the identity of Bari come together once again in our Bay.
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