Detail of the façade of the Basilica di San Nicola, framed by massive elements of the tower; the country and the engraver's names and inscription around the frame.

The Pontifical Basilica of Saint Nicholas (Basilica of Saint Nicholas) is a church in Bari, Southern Italy that holds wide religious significance throughout Europe and the Christian world. The basilica is an important pilgrimage destination both for Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians. The basilica was built between 1087 and 1197, during the Italo-Norman domination of Apulia, the area previously occupied by the Byzantine Catapan of which Bari was the seat.

The church has a rather square appearance, seemingly more suited to a castle than to a church. This impression is strengthened by the presence of two low massive towers framing the façade. It was indeed used several times as a castle during its history.

Depicts a detail of the main portal featuring a warrior on a horse. Below and behind it is a composition from the decoration of the sides of Elias' episcopal Throne which is housed inside the Basilica of Saint Nicholas in Bari. On the bottom, the issue date, the coin's value and the mintmark "R"; on top “Year of Russian Culture and Language in Italy”.