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St. Nicholas: Quick Facts

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News •

Thief steals, destroys bone fragments of Saint Nicholas from French basilica • Nov. 11, 2026, 3:29 AM ET (Jerusalem Post)
What does Santa have to do with this ancient city in Turkey? • Oct. 19, 2026, 4:59 AM ET (CNN)

Facts

Also Known As Santa Claus • Nicholas of Bari • Nicholas of Myra
Flourished c.301 - c.400 • Myra

Photos and Videos

Religious icon painting of St. Nicholas seated on a throne, wearing bishop's robes and a halo, holding an open book in one hand and raising the other in blessing.
Painting by Ambrogio Lorenzetti showing Saint Nicholas with a halo on shore, gesturing toward ships filled with people and grain, with townspeople gathered nearby.
Sculpture of St. Nicholas
The tomb of Saint Nicholas in the crypt of the Basilica di San Nicola, Bari, Italy, features a stone altar with lace cloth, hanging lamps, flowers, and a stained glass window.
St. Nicholas
Saint Nicholas, dressed in a bishop's robe and mitre, rides a horse through a snowy village street, handing out gifts to children gathered with adults, circa 1600.
Santa Claus
Who was the real St. Nicholas?
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