Lanciano

History of the townn This town was built on

the site of the Ancient Anxanum and was involved in the Gothic war and the Byzantine-Longobard wars. In 981 it became part of the Duchy of Benevento.

The Cathedral “Santa Maria Del Ponte”

o Santa Maria Del Ponte was raised on three arches of a Roman bridge, under Diocletian’s reign. After an earthquake in 1088 an ancient statue of the Madonna was found.

The interior has a single nave and is in the Neo-classical style. The vault is decorated with biblical frescos by Giacinto Diana.

Santa Maria Maggiore

l This church was founded in 1227. the sandstone facade is divided in two sections:

l the left section is preceded by a flight of stairs. There are three pillars per section, the lunette features the relief of Christ on the Cross;

l the right section has an ogival portal, twin two-mullioned windows and a rose window.

Montanare towers

Montanare towers are situated south of Santa Maria Maggiore and they are the only ones remaining from the Aragonese walls. They were built to defend the area.

San Francesco

This church was built in 1258. Of the original structure remain the portal, the lower part of the facade and the bell tower. The interior has a single nave and is decorated in the baroque style. Into this church took place the first episode of the Eucharist Miracle (VIII century)

Eucharist Miracle

l It dates back to 730-750 A.D. In that time while a monk was celebrating the Mass wondered if the eucharistic wafer and the wine really were the flesh and the blood of Jesus Christ.

l Suddenly the sacred wafer and the wine turned into a piece of bleeding flesh and into blood that soon coagulated.

Today the relics are kept in this tabernacle and pilgrims visit this church.

The Mastrogiurato Ceremony

The Mastrogiurato was a magistrate of the Reign of Naples that helped the Mayor. He was elected with the Mayor and his principal role was the opening and the closing of the Town Gate.

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Since 1981 there has been a ceremony that takes place during the last days of August and that celebrates the Mastrogiurato election. This ceremony contributes to recreate the Medieval atmosphere with Medieval shops, a toys fair and Medieval performances.

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The last ceremony is a parade, from Corso Trento Trieste to Piazza Plebiscito, of damsels and knights in Medieval garments…

…flag wavers…

…musicians and soldiers.

n After this the Mastrogiurato is elected and reads an oath of loyalty to the Town in Latin.

Claudia Tricca e Benedetta Gaspari

3° A S.U.