The city of the oldest Eucharistic miracle and Diocletian's bridge
In the hinterland of the Costa dei Trabocchi, on three hills, Lanciano is an ancient city with a long history as a market town, famous in the Middle Ages for its great fairs, which attracted merchants from all over Italy and the Mediterranean. But Lanciano is known throughout the Christian world above all for the Eucharistic Miracle, considered the oldest in the history of the Church: according to tradition, around the eighth century, in the small church of San Legonziano, a Basilian monk who doubted the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist saw, during Mass, the host turn into flesh and the wine into blood, which coagulated into five clots. The relics are still preserved in the church of San Francesco, in a precious silver reliquary, and are venerated by pilgrims from all over the world; scientific analyses carried out in the twentieth century studied their composition.
The other symbol of Lanciano is the Cathedral of the Madonna del Ponte, built on the arches of an ancient bridge, the Ponte di Diocleziano, of Roman origin and rebuilt in the Middle Ages, which crosses a small valley in the heart of the city and can be visited below the church. The historic centre is divided into ancient districts, such as Lanciano Vecchio and Civitanova, with lanes, churches and noble palaces, and preserves the Torri Montanare, part of the medieval walls, from which the view sweeps over the hills to the Majella. Lanciano is also known for the "Mastrogiurato", a historical re-enactment in medieval costume held at the beginning of September.
Tip: visit the church of San Francesco and then the Cathedral with the Diocletian bridge; walk up to the Torri Montanare.
Where it is
More things to see in Abruzzo
Where to stay near Lanciano
Tours and activities nearby
Offers from GetYourGuide. Some links are affiliate links: if you book we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.