Lanciano - Main Sights

Main Sights

• Cathedral of Santa Maria del Ponte ("St. Mary of the Bridge"), so called because it is built on bridgework along a precipice: is the work of Michitelli (1619) and has some paintings by Pozzulaniello (Giacinto Diana). It houses also an 8th century Byzantine statue portraying the Madonna, probably brought here during the iconoclast controversy.
• Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the most important architectural sites in Abruzzo. Built in 1227 according to Bourgogne-Cistercian lines, it was updated in 1540 in Baroque style, with the addition of two aisles and stucco decorations (recently stripped off). The main gate is from 1317.
• San Francesco (1258), built over a pre-existing 7th century church. The high altar houses the relics of the Eucharistic Miracle.
• Sant'Agostino (1270). The façade has maintained the original rose window and the gate, while the single nave interior is a Baroque restoration.
• Torri Montanare, a relic of the ancient walls (11th century). They consist in two massive towers, the most recent dating to the 15th century, offering a panoramic view of the area.
• Porta San Biagio (11th century), the only one gate remaining of the nine once existing.