Tradition has it that Lanciano was founded by Solima, a fellow adventurer of Aeneas, who named it Anxanum: this is in fact the name the city had in Roman times. Archaeological finds from the excavations of the ancient Roman municipality of Anxanum are still preserved in the Lanciano Civic Archaeological Museum, along with numerous other finds from the surrounding areas. The city changed its Roman name Anxanum in medieval times, when it was named Lanzano. Over the years Lanciano was invaded by different peoples who left historical evidence from different cultures. Even the countless fairs, which regularly took place in Lanciano, brought the contribution of many merchants from far and wide. All this certainly enriched Lanciano’s culture, which is well preserved in its historic center.
The main monuments of the city are definitely : 1) The Cathedral, the main building of worship in the city, is called the Basilica of Our Lady of the Bridge because it was erected in 1389 on three of the arches of the Diocletian Bridge, dating back to the 3rd century. Inside you can admire the famous terracotta statue of the Virgin of the Bridge. 2) The Church of Santa Maria Maggiore represents one of the most important monuments in all of Abruzzo: built in Romanesque style in 1227 on the remains of a temple of Apollo, it was later modified in Burgundian-Cistercian style. Truly extraordinary is its portal built in 1317 by Francesco Petrini. 3) The Church of St. Francis is known as the Shrine of the Eucharistic Miracle, after an event that occurred in the 8th century, when a monk saw the host turn into flesh while celebrating Mass. The church overlooks Lanciano’s central square and features a stunning Bell Tower. Inside, on the other hand, you will notice the richness of a splendid Baroque style. Other things to see in Lanciano include the Fontana del Borgo, built in the late Renaissance, the Mountain Towers, the Aragonese Walls, and the Frentani Road.
