Bari, Italy holds one of Christianity's most intriguing mysteries as the claimed resting place of St. Nicholas, the beloved saint who inspired Santa Claus. When Italian merchants allegedly transported his relics from Turkey in 1087, this southern Italian city became a major pilgrimage destination and the center of Josh Gates' fascinating DNA investigation into the saint's true remains.
The St. Nicholas sites in Italy center on the Basilica di San Nicola in Bari, a major pilgrimage destination in the Puglia region along the Adriatic coast. According to tradition, Italian merchants brought the relics of St. Nicholas from Myra (modern-day Turkey) to Bari in 1087, where they were enshrined in the newly constructed basilica. The site remains one of Europe's most important pilgrimage destinations for both Catholic and Orthodox Christians. Josh Gates investigated the basilica and surrounding sites as part of a broader search to authenticate the relics of the historical figure who inspired the legend of Santa Claus, consulting with scientists conducting DNA analysis on the remains housed in the crypt.
Italian merchants reportedly bring relics of St. Nicholas from Myra to Bari
Construction of Basilica di San Nicola begins to house the relics
Josh Gates investigates St. Nicholas sites in Italy for Expedition Unknown
The Basilica di San Nicola in Bari has been recognized as a major pilgrimage site for nearly a millennium, based on the claim that it houses the authentic relics of St. Nicholas of Myra. According to historical accounts, sailors from Bari traveled to Myra in 1087 and took the saint's remains, bringing them back to Italy where a basilica was constructed to enshrine them. The Catholic Church has treated these relics as authentic for centuries, making Bari a destination for pilgrims seeking connection to the historical figure behind Santa Claus traditions.
Modern scientific investigation has brought new tools to this centuries-old question of authenticity. Researchers have conducted DNA analysis and other forensic studies on bone fragments from the Bari crypt, attempting to verify whether these remains could plausibly be from a 4th-century bishop from the region of Myra. Gates' investigation explored these scientific approaches alongside the historical and religious traditions, consulting with experts who are applying contemporary methods to ancient claims.
The episode's approach reflects the complexity of investigating religious relics, where faith tradition, historical documentation, and scientific evidence intersect. While DNA analysis can potentially confirm that remains are from the correct time period and region, definitively proving identity remains challenging with ancient bones. Gates presented the ongoing research without claiming to have solved the mystery definitively, allowing viewers to understand both what science can tell us and where uncertainty remains.
The investigation into St. Nicholas sites represents Gates' broader approach to historical mysteries—following evidence across multiple countries, consulting with scientists and historians, and presenting findings honestly even when they don't provide complete answers. The Bari basilica remains an active site of worship and pilgrimage regardless of scientific verification, representing the enduring power of tradition alongside the modern quest for historical certainty.
St. Nicholas of Myra, the 4th-century bishop whose relics are claimed to be in Bari, is the historical figure who inspired Santa Claus traditions worldwide
The 1087 translocation of the relics from Myra to Bari is commemorated annually in Bari with festivals celebrating the arrival of the saint's remains
Both Catholic and Orthodox Christians venerate the Bari relics, making the basilica a rare pilgrimage site drawing both Western and Eastern Christian traditions
The basilica's crypt, where the relics are kept, produces a liquid called manna di San Nicola that believers consider miraculous
The Basilica di San Nicola in Bari is generally accessible to visitors and pilgrims, with the crypt housing the relics open for viewing during regular hours. As an active place of worship, visitors should dress respectfully and be mindful of services and pilgrimages in progress. Check current visiting hours and any restrictions before planning a visit.
Bari, as the basilica is located within the city itself in the Puglia region of southern Italy.
Spring and fall offer mild weather for exploring Bari and the basilica without the intense summer heat or winter crowds of pilgrims around St. Nicholas feast days. The feast of St. Nicholas on December 6th attracts significant pilgrim numbers for those interested in experiencing the site's religious significance firsthand.
Istanbul
Istanbul is in the same region as ancient Myra where St. Nicholas originally served as bishop and where his relics were kept before the 1087 translocation to Italy
Holy Land
The Holy Land represents another major focus of Gates' investigations into biblical and early Christian historical figures and sites
Alexandria
Alexandria and other early Christian centers in the Eastern Mediterranean connect to the broader context of 4th-century bishops and saints from St. Nicholas's era
Best time to visit: Visit during spring (April-May) or fall (September-October) for pleasant weather and to potentially witness St. Nicholas festivities without summer crowds.
Travel tip: Book guided tours in advance for access to restricted areas of the basilica's crypt where the saint's relics are housed, as these fill up quickly during pilgrimage seasons.