site of saint nicolas de myre

One of the bishops of the empire of the early 4th century East, St Nicolas of Myra was one of the most popular saints with his Santa Claus legend and he helped to make known Myre in many distant countries. Celebrating the anniversary of his death on 6 December. At the Saint-Nicolas, tradition dictates that children, throughout the year, were wise, receive gifts. Those who were not wise are offered a martinet.

The Church of St. Nicolas of Myra was built in the modern town of Demre. His bones were kept there until the 11th century, according to legend, they would have the distinction of sacred oil ooze. In the year 1087, marine steal and bring his relics in Christian lands in Bari, Italy. A basilica it will be specially built between 1089 and 1197. His relics were transferred over centuries by the church in Lorraine and more formally in Freiburg.

On the church site in Demre, only his tomb remains broken. Many pilgrims to the Russian majority, gather here. He is the patron saint of Lorraine, the Russians, the Fribourg, the Ovillois, schoolchildren, students, teachers, sailors, men and women suffering from infertility, singles, glaziers, butchers, travelers.