Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore

Santa Maria Maggiore is a principal medieval landmark of Lanciano's Civitanova quarter. Its sandstone facade, signed portal and celebrated processional cross bring architecture and metalwork together in one historic church.

Why it matters

The building preserves major thirteenth- and fourteenth-century work, followed by Renaissance enlargement and modern restoration. It illustrates both Lanciano's medieval artistic ambition and the later reinterpretation of its sacred architecture.

What to notice

Francesco Petrini's portal is signed and dated 1317. Slender columns frame a Crucifixion relief, with a richly carved rose window above. A simpler pointed doorway contrasts with this elaborate entrance. The interior has three aisles and a distinctive presbytery, while the square bell tower rises in four stages. Nicola da Guardiagrele's cross of 1422 combines silver, gilding, enamel and niello.

Context and history

The main medieval building phase is associated with 1227, although remains of an earlier Romanesque church were found during restoration. Enlargement around 1540 was partly reversed in work completed during the late 1960s. Restoration of Nicola's cross led to its return to the church in 2025, adding a recent chapter to the care of its artistic heritage.