Lanciano

Lanciano is a town and comune in the Abruzzo region of central Italy, in the province of Chieti. It sits in the Val di Sangro, inland from the Adriatic coast. The municipality has about 35,000 residents and a historic center with medieval and Baroque buildings. Lanciano is best known for the Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano, a medieval tradition in which a consecrated host is said to have become flesh and wine to blood during Mass, drawing pilgrims from around the region.

The area shows ancient roots and developed as a market and religious center in the Middle Ages. It grew under feudal lords and church authority, and its walls, fortress, and churches reflect its strategic position between interior lands and the coast.

The historic center includes a cathedral dedicated to Saint Leucius and several churches and palaces around the central square. The relics and narrative of the Eucharistic Miracle are preserved in a church complex and museum that form Lanciano's religious heart.

Economy and culture: Traditional activities include agriculture, with wine and olive oil production, crafts, and services. The town hosts religious and cultural festivals, markets, and events that highlight its regional identity and its role as a local center for the Val di Sangro.

Transport: Lanciano has a railway station on the Adriatic line and is connected by the A14 motorway. It is within easy reach of Pescara, Chieti, and other nearby towns.