Church of St. Francesco (Eucharistic Miracle) - Lanciano (Province of Chieti)

It was erected in 1258 in the Medieval district of Borgo on the remains of the church of St. Legonziano. It holds the ostensorium of the Eucharistic miracle occurred in the eighth century: during the mass, the bread and wine changed into flesh and blood. The destination appeals thousands of pilgrims throughout the year.

In 1971, the specimens were analyzed at the hospital of Arezzo and histology analysis reported the flesh is human cardiac tissue with no trace of preservatives.

The convent of St. Francesco houses a museum dedicated to the miracle with ancient data related to the transubstantiation. It is possible to visit the ancient convent of St. Legonziano and the catacombs of the Diocleziano bridge.

The bell tower of 31 m is the most ancient of the town. It was erected during three different periods, before the Franciscans. During the construction of the church (1252 - 1258) the bell tower was rebuilt on the second floor. During the XVIII century the church was transformed into baroque style and the tower was decorated with a dome and a roof lantern covered with beautiful majolica. The belfry was used also as civic tower for many centuries, because of its position towards the Palazzo del Governatore, nearby the Curtis Anteana.

Between 1730 and 1745 a violent earthquake badly damaged the church and it was rebuilt in baroque style. The current convent with its cloister became an important study centre of philosophy and theology.

In the cloister it is possible to visit the well and part of the pavement made of Roman opus signinum and ancient frescos remains.