Lenten Station Church
4th Saturday in Lent
St. Nicholas in Prison
(San Nicola in Carcere)

Combining elements of Republican and medieval Rome, the Basilica of St Nicholas in Prison (Basilica di San Nicola in Carcere), dedicated to St Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, is a fascinating attraction for archaeology and architecture enthusiasts alike. It was constructed on the site of the ancient Forum Holitorium (fruit and vegetable market) between the 6th and 12th centuries. The church features columns from the Temple of Spes (250 BC), a temple dedicated to Juno in the 2nd century BC and rebuilt in 90 BC, and the Temple of Janus (AD 17). San Nicola in Carcere is unique in that its repurposed columns stand in their original location and the foundations of the pre-existing temples can still be viewed via the crypt beneath the church. The first definite dedication is from a plaque on the church dating to 1128. The church was rebuilt in 1599 with a new facade. Stairs under the altar lead to the crypt and to the base of the former Roman temples. Beneath the high altar is also an ancient basalt bathtub containing martyrs' relics. St Nicholas in Prison Exterior Views St Nicholas In Prison Interior Views Saint Nicholas of Myra, also known as Nicholas of Bari, was an early Christian bishop of Greek descent from the maritime city of Myra in Asia Minor (modern-day Demre, Turkey) during the time of the Roman Empire. Because of the many miracles attributed to his intercession, he is also known as Nicholas the Wonderworker. St Nicholas is the patron saint of sailors, merchants, archers, repentant thieves, children, brewers, pawnbrokers, unmarried people, and students in various cities and countries around Europe. His reputation evolved among the pious, as was common for early Christian saints, and his legendary habit of secret gift-giving gave rise to the traditional model of Santa Claus ("Saint Nick"). Very little is known about the historical St Nicholas. The earliest accounts of his life were written centuries after his death and contain many legendary elaborations. St Nicholas' primary relics are located in a tomb in the crypt of the Basilica di San Nicola, Bari, Italy. Many places around the world lay claim to St. Nicholas relics. On your next (or first) visit to Rome, be sure to include on your agenda a tour of St Nicholas in Prison. You are sure to discover fantastic aspects of this historic basilica. Reference: 'San Nicola in Carcere' on WikiPedia.org 'Saint Nicholas' on WikiPedia.org All Photographs are from Commons.WikiMedia.org Vatican Art San Francisco - St. Nicholas Saving a Ship 720e (1983) St Nicholas of Myra Transfer of Relics 9th Centenary - Arrival of Relics 803 (1987) St Nicholas of Myra Transfer of Relics 9th Centenary - Saved 3 Women from Poverty 804 (1987) St Nicholas of Myra Transfer of Relics 9th Centenary - Miraculous Rescue of Ship 805 (1987) Diocese of Nardo 6th Centenary - Fresco of St Nicholas of Myra 1547 (2013) St Nicholas of Bari - 1750th Anniversary of Birth 1734 (2020) Relics of St Nicholas in the Antalya Archeological Museum in Turkey and in the Crypt in Bari, Italy