Lanciano
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Latest page update: 21 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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 Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Lanciano
Lanciano offers a good range of established hotels that cater to both business travellers and visitors exploring the Costa dei Trabocchi and the surrounding countryside. Accommodation here is well reviewed for comfort, service and convenient access to the historic centre.
Hotel Villa Medici is a top-rated option just outside the town, featuring elegant rooms, a pool, spa and restaurant, with excellent guest feedback for comfort and professional service (€€€). Hotel Anxanum provides modern accommodation close to the centre, offering a wellness area and consistently strong reviews for cleanliness and hospitality (€€). For a quieter stay, Hotel La Furnacelle offers comfortable rooms, panoramic countryside views and a restaurant serving regional cuisine, praised for both service and food quality (€€).
Hotel Villa Medici is a top-rated option just outside the town, featuring elegant rooms, a pool, spa and restaurant, with excellent guest feedback for comfort and professional service (€€€). Hotel Anxanum provides modern accommodation close to the centre, offering a wellness area and consistently strong reviews for cleanliness and hospitality (€€). For a quieter stay, Hotel La Furnacelle offers comfortable rooms, panoramic countryside views and a restaurant serving regional cuisine, praised for both service and food quality (€€).
Where is
Where is Lanciano?
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The town of Lanciano is situated within the Province of Chieti and has a population of 34,899 inhabitants.
Standing at an elevation of 265 metres above sea level, it covers a total area of 66 km². There are 3 hotels in the town centre while nearby places of interest include Marina di San Vito and Fossacesia Marina. |
Comune di Lanciano
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Province: Chieti
Region: Abruzzo Population: 33,921 (in 2024 - source) Size: 66 km² Elevation: 265 metres Close by: Marina di San Vito, Fossacesia Marina, Guardiagrele Recommended hotel: Albergo Roma |
What People Ask About Lanciano, Abruzzo
Is Lanciano worth visiting?
Yes, Lanciano is worth visiting for its medieval old town, religious heritage, and traditional atmosphere. It is most famous for the Eucharistic Miracle, which attracts pilgrims from around the world.
How do I get to Lanciano?
Lanciano lies in the province of Chieti, about 50 km from Pescara. It can be reached by car via the A14 Adriatic motorway. The town has its own train station on the Sangritana railway line, with regional connections.
What are the main attractions in Lanciano?
Attractions include the Church of St Francis with the Eucharistic Miracle, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Ponte, and the medieval district of Lancianovecchia. The annual Settimana Santa processions are also a major draw.
What is Lanciano known for?
Lanciano is best known as the site of the Eucharistic Miracle, one of the most important in the Catholic tradition. The town is also noted for its festivals, handicrafts, and location near both the Adriatic coast and Maiella mountains.
What food is typical of Lanciano and the area?
Local cuisine features dishes such as pallotte cace e ove (cheese and egg balls), lamb skewers known as arrosticini, and pasta alla chitarra. Olive oil and wines from the surrounding countryside are also widely enjoyed.
Related links
Discover
Discover Lanciano
Set on a series of hills between the Aventino and Sangro Valleys, Lanciano is one of the oldest and most important towns in the Abruzzo region. The historic centre rises above a landscape of olive groves and vineyards, with views stretching towards the Maiella Mountains and the Adriatic Sea. Its layout reflects centuries of development, with distinct quarters connected by stone bridges and narrow streets that climb steeply through the town.
Lanciano is best known for the Eucharistic Miracle, commemorated in the Church of San Francesco, which has made it an important destination for religious pilgrims. Other landmarks include the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Ponte, built above a series of medieval arches, and the Torre Civica, a symbol of the town’s medieval past. Elegant palazzi and ancient churches line the streets of the old town, while the modern districts extend across the surrounding hills. Positioned between Ortona and Guardiagrele, Lanciano serves as a cultural and commercial hub linking the coastal plain with the mountains of southern Abruzzo.
Lanciano is best known for the Eucharistic Miracle, commemorated in the Church of San Francesco, which has made it an important destination for religious pilgrims. Other landmarks include the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Ponte, built above a series of medieval arches, and the Torre Civica, a symbol of the town’s medieval past. Elegant palazzi and ancient churches line the streets of the old town, while the modern districts extend across the surrounding hills. Positioned between Ortona and Guardiagrele, Lanciano serves as a cultural and commercial hub linking the coastal plain with the mountains of southern Abruzzo.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Lanciano
- Centro Storico di Lanciano stretches across gentle hills, a tapestry of narrow lanes, elegant palaces, and ancient walls revealing its Roman and medieval roots. The town blends bustling urban life with historic architecture, featuring graceful arcades, carved stone façades, and vibrant piazzas. Layers of history emerge in every corner, from Roman ruins to Renaissance details. Walking through Lanciano offers a rich journey through centuries of culture, faith, and commerce.
- Cattedrale della Madonna del Ponte rises dramatically above a series of Roman arches, its baroque façade crowned with statues and ornate detailing. Inside, visitors discover marble altars, frescoes, and gilded decorations that speak of Lanciano’s religious devotion and artistic heritage. The cathedral has been central to spiritual life for generations. It remains one of the town’s most important landmarks, symbolising faith and architectural splendour.
- Santuario del Miracolo Eucaristico stands as a revered pilgrimage site, housing the relics of the Eucharistic Miracle that occurred in the 8th century. The small church’s interior is adorned with baroque elements, sacred paintings, and a quiet sense of solemnity. Pilgrims and visitors come from afar to witness the preserved relics displayed in a precious monstrance. It’s a place where faith and history converge in profound significance.
- Piazza Plebiscito serves as Lanciano’s lively heart, surrounded by historic buildings, arcaded walkways, and bustling cafés. The square hosts markets, festivals, and concerts that bring the community together throughout the year. Cobblestones underfoot and views of surrounding towers enhance its atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot to pause and enjoy the vibrant pulse of Lanciano’s urban life.
- Guided historical and cultural tours in Lanciano lead visitors through Roman ruins, medieval churches, noble palaces, and artisan workshops. Local guides share stories of the town’s ancient trade routes, religious miracles, and artistic traditions. Tours often include tastings of local specialities like bocconotti pastries, olive oil, and regional wines. Exploring with a guide unveils the rich cultural tapestry and enduring spirit that define Lanciano.
Tours and Activities
Lanciano Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Lanciano Photo Gallery
Abruzzo Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Abruzzo
1. Gran Sasso & Monti della Laga National Park
2. Rocca Calascio
3. Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park
4. Campo Imperatore
5. Majella National Park
6. Roccascalegna
7. Vasto
8. Barrea
9. Sulmona
10. Ortona
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Abruzzo
1. Gran Sasso & Monti della Laga National Park
2. Rocca Calascio
3. Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park
4. Campo Imperatore
5. Majella National Park
6. Roccascalegna
7. Vasto
8. Barrea
9. Sulmona
10. Ortona
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Abruzzo
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Lanciano
By Rail: Lanciano has its own train station on the Adriatic coastal line operated by Trenitalia. Regional services connect the town to Pescara in about 1 hour, Vasto in roughly 30 minutes, and Termoli in around 1 hour and 10 minutes. The station is located close to the town centre, with easy access to buses and taxis for local connections.
By Road: Lanciano is located in the province of Chieti, Abruzzo, a short distance inland from the Costa dei Trabocchi. From Chieti, the drive is around 35 kilometres and takes about 40 minutes via the SS81. From Pescara, it is approximately 50 kilometres and takes roughly 50 minutes by car. Parking is available near the historic centre and along the main access roads into town.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Lanciano is located in the province of Chieti, Abruzzo, a short distance inland from the Costa dei Trabocchi. From Chieti, the drive is around 35 kilometres and takes about 40 minutes via the SS81. From Pescara, it is approximately 50 kilometres and takes roughly 50 minutes by car. Parking is available near the historic centre and along the main access roads into town.
Nearest International Airports:
- Pescara Abruzzo Airport: Approximately 45 kilometres from Lanciano, with a driving time of around 40 minutes via the A14 and SS81. It is the closest airport, offering domestic and short-haul European connections.
- Naples Capodichino Airport: Located about 185 kilometres southwest, taking roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes by car via the A1 and SS652. A good option for travellers from southern Italy or abroad.
- Rome Ciampino Airport: Around 210 kilometres west, with a journey time of approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes via the A24 and A25. Convenient for visitors arriving from across Europe.
Private Transfers
Lanciano Private Transfers
A private transfer provides a comfortable and reliable way to reach Lanciano or continue your journey from the town to other destinations in Abruzzo and neighbouring regions. You’ll be collected directly from your chosen location and driven by a professional local driver, ensuring a smooth and convenient journey without the need for car hire or public transport.
Private transfers can be arranged to and from Abruzzo Airport in Pescara, which offers the most convenient access for both arrivals and departures. The journey from the airport to Lanciano typically takes around 40 to 45 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Transfers can also be organised to Ortona, Vasto, and Fossacesia, or to nearby inland destinations such as Casoli, Guardiagrele, and Roccascalegna.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
Private transfers can be arranged to and from Abruzzo Airport in Pescara, which offers the most convenient access for both arrivals and departures. The journey from the airport to Lanciano typically takes around 40 to 45 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Transfers can also be organised to Ortona, Vasto, and Fossacesia, or to nearby inland destinations such as Casoli, Guardiagrele, and Roccascalegna.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.

