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Lanciano’s history archaeology virtual visit tour

lanciano.jpgBefore being called Lanciano, this town had different names. Around 1180 BC, Solima a Troyan travelling companion of Aeneas’, got to the plains north of the river Sangro. He must have liked the place a lot, as he decided to create a town here. He named it Anxanon, after his brother Anxa. And the town kept the name of Anxanum during the Roman period, when it became the most important settlement in the Frentanian area.
The great historical and linguistic influence of the Middle Ages vernacularized Anxanum in Lanzano. Then, the name changed permanently to Lanciano. Thus, according to the magic of mythology, Lanciano has very ancient origins. And, as we know, the passing of time leaves its traces and creates an identity. In Lanciano, it is possible to see the traces of its history in its streets, alleys, monuments, art and ruins. As well as legends, traditions, memories. Life. Because the past is not just a collection of objects, palaces and churches. It’s an atmosphere that lives in the stones and walls, fills the paved streets and the grass that grows between the pebbles. People leave traces, too. I
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So, a visit to Lanciano and its districts - Borgo, Civitanova, Lancianovecchia and Sacca – turns into a journey through time. The first passage is in the Sanctuary of S. Francesco. Not in its 13th-century structure but in its underground crypts. Beyond the Eucharistic Miracle museum, in the basement of the complex. Going down, where the temperature gets cooler, suddenly the visitor faces a Roman cistern. Going down two more wooden steps, you will get to the archaeological path, where the excavations reveal the traces of the ancient peasant lifestyle. The walls of the now demolished church of S. Maria in Platea or dell’Annunziata are impressive. The path reveals the phases of the building of the Ponte di Diocleziano in the Roman and Middle Ages period (3rd to 15th centuries). Before going back into the daylight, the visitors see the Auditorium, created in the fascinating rooms of the ancient building after which it was named. Finally, you go out near piazza del Plebiscito, in the heart of town. The Bell Tower , dating back to 1610, watches over the Basilica della Madonna del Ponte, built on the Ponte di Diocleziano (Diocletianus Bridge). This bridge dates back to the 3rd century. Its ancient function was to connect the Prato della Fiera (Exhibition Area) to the town, overcoming the obstacle of the Pietrosa ditch. The journey starts again from piazza del Plebiscito. Go up via dei Frentani, towards the Lancianovecchia district. The neoclassical style of the Fedele Fenaroli Theater takes the visitors back to the 19th century. This is a journey back in time while going uphill. On the right, the Palazzo De Crecchio (19th century) faces the opposite Art-Nouveau Palazzo del Capitano.
The Tower of S. Giovanni, a little ahead, informs us that the scene is about to change. It was built in the 14th century and takes the visitors directly into the Middle Ages. As a matter of fact, via dei Frentani hosts the Botteghe Medioevali (Medieval Workshops).
lanciano church.jpgGothic style façades and doors with counters where the goods used to be on display. These workshops still host businesses. Their small windows are used as shop windows, basically respecting their old function. Let’s go further back through the centuries. After passing the church of S. Biagio, the most ancient in town, this little street goes down into the countryside and back to the year 1000, to the Porta S. Biagio, the only remaining town gate out of the nine that Lanciano had. Back on via dei Bastioni there is another arch, a 15th-century fortification. And here is piazza del Plebiscito again. Leaving the Basilica della Madonna del Ponte behind, you will have a stairway on your left. Go down and you will find the Salita dei Gradoni (Uphill road with large steps). One hundred, according to tradition. A medieval ramp that connects via Valera with Santa Maria Maggiore. Once near via Cavour, in the heart of the Sacca district, the ancient ghetto, there is Palazzo De Giorgio hosting the Municipal Museo Archeologico (Archaeological Museum), the Archivio Storico comunale (Municipal Historical Archive) and the Canadian College, the first private Canadian high school founded in Italy. The museum collects coins, ceramics, jewels and other findings coming from the archaeological excavations done in town and in the surrounding areas, including a period of time that goes from prehistory to the early Middle Ages. Going back and still climbing the Gradoni, you get to via Santa Maria Maggiore, in the Civitanova district. On the left of the 13th-century church of Santa Maria Maggiore, you will see the Casa-Museo (House-Museum) Federico Spoltore, a real treasure box keeping the works of this local painter (1902-1988). Santa Maria Maggiore, on the other hand, is the most important monument in town. Founded in 1227 on the ruins of a temple dedicated to Apollo, it has an imposing façade that dates back to the following century. The church hosts the very precious Croce processionale (Procession Cross), sculpted and crafted by the local goldsmith Nicola da Guardiagrele in 1422. Via Federico Spoltore crosses with via Garibaldi. Turning left, you get to largo dell’Appello, the starting point of the Torri Montanare, the remains of the medieval walls that defended the town. Walking along the Torri, you get to via Spaventa. On the left, you can take corso Roma. There, on the right, you will find via dell’Asilo, going down to piazza D’Amico, in the middle of the Borgo district. The square leads to via del Torrione. Before taking it, right on the left, some steps go down to the Antica Cereria De Rosa (candle factory), dating back to the 17th century, and further down to the Fonte del Borgo (Borgo fountain). It was built in the 16th century near the ancient S. Angelo gate. The row of arches was used as the location for wash-boards. Going up towards via del Torrione, you will find the Torrione Aragonese. This is what remains of defence works built in 1480. It is made of bricks, has a cylindrical shape and no battlements. Next to it, there is a large area with the bus stops and the Palazzetto dello Sport (Sports Hall) ahead. Finally, the Ippodromo delle Rose.
 
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