The Church of San Biagio in Lanciano, located in the historic Lanciano Vecchio district, is one of the oldest surviving churches within the city walls, first mentioned in 1069. It stands over the remains of a 9th-century chapel dedicated to Saint George, and according to local historians, may have been built on the site of an ancient Roman temple to the goddess Minerva. The church was donated to the Bishop of Chieti by the Norman counts Drogone and Roberto di Loritello in 1096, hinting at a Norman origin. Architecturally, the building preserves its original gabled layout with a robust 14th-century Gothic bell tower and several elements of Romanesque and Gothic design. Inside, it houses a remarkable 15th-century statue of San Biagio—possibly from the school of Nicola da Guardiagrele—as well as notable sculptures like the Madonna dei Raccomandati by Giacomo Colombo and the Annunciation group from the Gothic period. The crypt below, formerly the chapel of San Giorgio, is built over a Roman podium and features barrel vaults and cylindrical columns.
Although deconsecrated in 1866 and used as a military warehouse until the mid-20th century, the church was restored in the 1950s and partially reopened. Today, religious functions take place only occasionally, most notably on February 3rd for the feast of Saint Blaise, celebrated with the traditional throat blessing and the distribution of blessed taralli. The church also houses several historic artworks and sacred relics, and a 2004 restoration uncovered two 12th-century stucco niches depicting scenes of the Annunciation and the Crucifixion. Its connection to ancient Roman worship and continued devotion through centuries make San Biagio a symbolic place of faith and history. The church is currently the seat of the historic Confraternity of Santa Maria dei Raccomandati, which celebrates both the Madonna della Candelora on February 2nd and Saint Blaise the following day.
- Address
Strada de’ Frentani, Lanciano, Italy - Web
None - Visiting Hours
Unknown - What to see
Statues, crypt
