Description of the attraction
As with many port cities, Galway has a church named after Saint Nicholas of Myra, the patron saint of sailors. St. Nicholas Church is the largest active medieval parish church in Ireland. Located in the center of the ancient city, it invariably attracts the attention of tourists.
The church was built in 1320 by a member of the Lingh clan, the famous and influential Galway family. In those days, Galway was a tiny town with big ambitions. The townspeople built a church for themselves, which in size exceeded many cathedrals in Ireland. In 1484 the church received collegial status. In the 16th century, two of the most influential of the fourteen Galway clans - Frenchy and Linghee - completed an aisle on both sides of the main nave, which gave the church an unusual and memorable appearance - three roofs connected together. The outside of the church is decorated with carved stone figures of animals and mythical characters.
The oldest burial in the church dates back to the 13th century; a participant of the Crusade is buried in it.
For many centuries the Church of St. Nicholas has played an important role in the life of the city. Within its walls, elections for the mayor and city council were held, but only residents who belonged to the so-called "14 clans of Galway" - the 14 most influential and wealthy families of the city, could vote. Legend has it that Christopher Columbus prayed in this church in 1477, asking for blessings before his great voyage.
The church belongs to the Protestant Church of Ireland, but in 2005 Catholic services were held here, and the Russian and Romanian Orthodox Churches hold their services regularly.
