The Church of San Francesco: Shrine of the Eucharistic Miracle
The Santuario del Miracolo Eucaristico stands in the centre of Lanciano on Piazza Plebiscito. The Franciscan church was built above the church in which the miracle is said to have taken place.
From San Legonziano to San Francesco
The original church was dedicated to Saints Legonziano and Domiziano. When the Conventual Franciscans came to Lanciano in 1252 they built a larger church above it, completed in 1258. Remains of the earlier building lie below today's floor level.
Architecture
The plain stone façade with its pointed portal and rose window dates from the 13th century and shows Burgundian Gothic forms. The bell tower was added later. The interior, a single nave with stucco decoration, received its Baroque appearance in the 18th century.
Where the relics are
The focal point is the marble structure of 1902 behind the high altar, which holds the monstrance with the flesh and blood. A staircase brings visitors directly in front of it. On the right side of the nave, the Valsecca chapel with its inscription of 1636 recalls the earlier place of safekeeping.
A shrine, not a basilica
People often speak of the Basilica of San Francesco. Officially the church is called the Santuario del Miracolo Eucaristico. It is cared for by the Conventual Franciscans, whose friary adjoins it.
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