The Church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Lanciano, located in the Civitanova medieval district, is one of the most important monuments in Abruzzo and has been a national monument since 1902. Its most striking feature is the Gothic façade, designed by Francesco Petrini (1317), with an impressive ogival portal. The church was built on an ancient pagan temple and has undergone numerous expansions and restorations over the centuries, including modifications in 1227, the 16th century, and the 19th century. After suffering damage during World War II, it was partially restored, and in 2024, a new restoration phase was completed.
The structure combines Gothic, Romanesque, and Renaissance elements. Inside its three-nave layout, key highlights include the golden crucifix by Nicola da Guardiagrele (1422), a triptych by Girolamo Galizzi (1531), and the 18th-century altarpiece by Giuseppangelo Ronzi. The church also features a Renaissance secondary façade and a medieval bell tower. In 1540, an expansion added a second nave, which was later deconsecrated in the 20th century and is now undergoing a musealization process.
- Address
Via Federico Spoltore, 1, Lanciano, Italy - Web
http://www.diocesilanciano.it/parrocchia-s-maria-maggiore/ - Visiting Hours
Unknown - What to see
Gothic façade
