Bari, Italy

 The main Castle in Bari was the home of Frederick II, built in 1233. This Swabian Castle also served as a Renaissance residence for Isabella of Aragon and her daughter Bona Sforza and became a playground for the artists, writers and powerful dignitaries that the two would host.

Saint Nicholas' bones are kept in the Basilicaa of Saint Nicola, commissioned in 1089 to house the stolen relics of Bari's Patron Saint. We know Saint Nicolas as Santa Claus. The legends were built around him because he saved little children from harm and gave them gifts. Many places have him as their patron saint.

(to be continued)