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I recently got to visit Bari, Italy and was inspired to incorporate elements of the city into my own campaign.
St. Nicholas
Meet Bari
Bari is the capital city of the Metropolitan City of Bari and of the Apulia region, on the Adriatic Sea, southern Italy. It is a port and university city, as well as the city of Saint Nicholas (you might know him as Santa Claus). Bari includes important monuments like the Basilica di San Nicola and the Norman-Swabian Castle. With its blend of Romanesque architecture, Byzantine influences, and Norman conquests, Bari presents a unique setting for adventurers to explore. Please Note: My inspiration from this trip is in no way meant to diminish the beliefs of the people I visited.
Barivecchia
Bari’s “old town” or Barivecchia is a sprawling series of streets and passageways that make up the northern part of the city. Within the Barviecchia is the old town of Bitetto, traditionally associated with the Knights Hospitaller.
We visited the Casa dei Cavalieri di Malta (Italian for House of the Knights of Malta) a historic building traditionally associated with the Knights Hospitaller, also known as the Knights of Malta. My ancestor, Giovinazzao Tresca, was listed as a member of the Knights of Malta there in 1587. The Knights of Malta, also known as the Knights Hospitaller, were a medieval Catholic military order dedicated to the defense of pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land. They later became renowned for their naval prowess.
This section alone is inspiration for a fantasy campaign: narrow alleys, hidden courtyards, and secret passages can provide excellent settings for chases, ambushes, and clandestine meetings. The Knights of Malta are an opportunity to play a seafaring paladin too.
The St. Nicholas Basilica
At the core of Bari’s old town stands the imposing Basilica di San Nicola. Built in the late 11th century, this Romanesque basilica houses the relics of St. Nicholas, a beloved saint known for his generosity and miracles, who inspired the modern-day Santa Claus. The basilica is a major pilgrimage site, drawing visitors from around the world. It’s worth noting that the Santa Claus we know is in popular culture is far removed the very important (and quite serious) spiritual significance of St. Nicholas in the Bari region.
The Basilica features a cathedra, or bishop’s throne. It is a literal seat of power, often used by saints and thus bestowing authority on any who would sit upon it. In some churches, cathedra are used to crown kings.
St. Nicholas’ tomb includes his relics. From these, a liquid leeches from the bones, known as “manna” and mixed with holy water to create “pure santa manna.” This liquid is kept in bottles designed by local artists, and is used to heal the sick by either drinking the liquid or sprinkling it on the body part suffering from illness.
Saint Nicholas’ tomb features several divine artifacts, including a miraculous column that Saint Nicolas conjured on the beach one day, widely believed to cure diseases. St. Nicolas saw it on a pilgrimage in a half-ruined house, and thanks to his prayers it moved miraculously first to Myra, then later to Bari. The column is also believed to also help young people find their perfect match.
In a fantasy campaign, a Basilica like this can serve as a home base for clerics and paladins, and as a place for both holy water and healing when weary adventurers need respite.
In Your Campaign
In my campaign, Laneutia is my Italian-inspired nation, and my experience with Bari certainly gave me a lot to work with (I’m not alone, check out Brancalonia from Acheron Games). Bari’s bustling marketplace, teeming with merchants and adventurers, can be a place for characters to gather information, acquire supplies, and undertake quests. The city’s complex political landscape, with its mix of local nobility, religious leaders, and foreign merchants, provides ample opportunities for intrigue and conflict. This is the first time I got a chance to explore my Italian-American heritage, and it was an experience I’ll carry with me in my memories and in my games.
