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Visit Lanciano, Abruzzo

Towns
the Siena of Abruzzo

Lanciano, the Siena of Abruzzo


Lanciano is a very beautiful mediaeval city which dates back to 1181 B.C. Lanciano still maintains its unique character and warmth as a typical real Italian city. 
Lanciano, the Siena of Abruzzo
The city is located on rolling hills which steadily grow higher as you head towards the mountain. In Lanciano there are a wide range of shops, restaurants, coffee bars and modern amenities such as swimming pools, bowling alleys, shopping centres, bingo, theatres, football stadium, etc. There are also some unique historical and architectural buildings and churches and there is a world famous Eucharistic miracle housed in Lanciano.  
Lanciano, the Siena of Abruzzo

Lanciano has about 40,000 inhabitants and is situated in the Frentano Subappeninnes. It preserves the remnants of the ancient medieval walls. 

The flourishing trade sectors are those of the agricultural products and of the textile, chemical, food and shoe industries. Sheep-breeding and agriculture have developed a lot too. 


The ancient Roman name of Lanciano was Anxanum, a city of the Frentani Italic tribe. The city is said to have been founded in 1181 BC by Solimus, a Trojan refugee arrived in Italy along with Aeneas. 
Lanciano, the Siena of Abruzzo

Legends aside, archaeological findings have shown that the area was settled from the 5th millennium BC. Under the Frentani it was probably under the influence of Greater Greece. After the end of the Samnite Wars, which saw the Frentani allied with the Romans, Lancianum obtained the status of municipium. 
Lanciano, the Siena of Abruzzo


It was probably a flourishing commercial site, across an ancient and important trade route connecting Pescara to Apulia. 


According to tradition, Lanciano is also the birthplace of Longinus the Roman centurion who thrust his spear into Jesus' side during the Crucifixion: Lanciano in Italian means -of the Spear-.




Lanciano still maintains its unique character and warmth as a typical real Italian city. 

Lanciano, the Siena of Abruzzo

In Lanciano there are a wide range of shops, restaurants, coffee bars and modern amenities such as swimming pools, bowling alleys, shopping centres, bingo theatres, football stadium, etc. There are also some unique historical and architectural buildings and churches and there is a world famous Eucharistic miracle and the Cathedral built on a bridge.

Lanciano, the Siena of Abruzzo


Today Lanciano is a well known exhibition centre, which is recognized on a national and international scale. 

Lanciano is also the town of the first Eucharistic Miracle recognized by the Church, that took place in the seventh century. The airport that you can keep as a reference is Abruzzo Airport, situated 39 km away from Pescara, with flights from and to Turin, Milan and Rome and links to the most important European capitals. 
Lanciano Festival


From September 14th to 17th , every year, watch the spectacular festival at the centre of Lanciano. It starts at 4.00 am and continues for three days. Lots of music, games, stalls and fireworks. I personally like to stay up with 1000s of others, the night of the 13th of September, party the night away till 4.00 am (the morning of the 14th) when the festival officially opens. The tradition is to watch the fireworks, follow the brass band down the high street , eat pizza and cellary (yes, cellary) and then drive to San Giovanni in Venere to watch the sun rise. What a night! Let's not forget the horse racing at the center.
Lanciano, the Siena of Abruzzo
Lanciano, the Siena of Abruzzo
Lanciano, the Siena of Abruzzo
 
 
Lanciano, the Siena of Abruzzo
 
Medieval Reenactment - Il Mastro Giurato


The last week in August , every year, enjoy the mediaeval games fought with passion between the different quarters of Lanciano. The winner of the contest become the protectors of the newly appointed Mastro Giurato , an honour offered to a member of the community. The spectical includes flag thowers, drums, trumpets, fire eaters and much more. You should not miss this one! 
Lanciano, the Siena of Abruzzo
Lanciano, the Siena of Abruzzo
 
Lanciano, the Siena of Abruzzo
 

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