Sometime around 730 AD, a Basilian monk raised the host at the altar of the monastery of San Longino in Anxanum. He was a man troubled by doubt—skeptical, perhaps, that bread and wine could become the Body and Blood of Christ. As he spoke the words of consecration, the host in his hands transformed into a circle of living flesh, and the wine in the chalice became visible blood. The priest trembled, wept, and eventually showed the congregation what had occurred. The flesh remains to this day, along with five globules of coagulated blood—the oldest surviving Eucharistic miracle in Church history, preserved for nearly thirteen centuries in what is now the town of Lanciano.
Modern science has examined these relics with the full arsenal of twentieth-century pathology. In 1970-71, Professor Odoardo Linoli, head of the laboratory at the Hospital of Arezzo, conducted extensive tests and delivered his findings: the flesh is human cardiac tissue from the left ventricle of the heart; the blood is type AB, the same blood type found on the Shroud of Turin. No preservatives were detected. When the coagulated blood was liquefied for testing, it displayed the same capillary properties as blood drawn that same day. A commission appointed by the World Health Organization verified these results over fifteen months of investigation, concluding in 1976 that science could not explain the phenomenon.
Today pilgrims approach the reliquary in the Church of San Francesco with a faith that science has probed but cannot dismiss. The flesh, mounted in an early eighteenth-century silver monstrance crafted by a Neapolitan artist, appears as a thin slice of tissue—"a heart complete in its essential structure," Linoli wrote. The five blood globules rest in a rock crystal chalice below. Whether one comes as believer or skeptic, the experience is the same: standing before physical evidence of a moment when the invisible became visible, when the mystery hidden under bread and wine showed itself as flesh and blood.
📜 History & Spiritual Significance
The miracle occurred in a monastery dedicated to Saint Longinus—traditionally identified as the Roman centurion who pierced Christ's side on Calvary, drawing forth blood and water. This dedication was perhaps providential: the doubting monk's crisis of faith echoed the soldier's own transformation from executioner to believer. The monastery stood in the ancient city of Anxanum, a Frentani settlement that the Romans had conquered centuries earlier. By the eighth century, Basilian monks from the Eastern tradition maintained the community.
The circumstances of the miracle itself are recorded in ancient documents preserved at the sanctuary. The celebrating priest, whose name has been lost, was described as "not well-grounded in the Faith, having recurrent doubts about the Real Presence of Our Lord in the Eucharist." During Mass, at the moment of consecration, the host became flesh and the wine became blood in full view of the congregation. The transformation was permanent—unlike other reported Eucharistic miracles where the sacred species returned to their natural appearance, the Lanciano relics have remained in their transformed state for nearly 1,300 years.
The custody of the relics passed through three religious orders over the centuries. The Basilian monks maintained them until 1176, when the Benedictines assumed responsibility. In 1252, the Franciscan Friars Minor Conventual took possession, and they have remained the guardians ever since. Throughout these transitions, the relics were examined multiple times and consistently identified as authentic flesh and blood. In 1713, the original ivory reliquary was replaced by the current silver and crystal vessels.
The scientific investigations of 1970-71 brought unprecedented scrutiny. Professor Linoli, assisted by Professor Ruggero Bertelli of the University of Siena, employed histological analysis, chemical testing, and microscopic examination. The flesh proved to be myocardium—heart muscle tissue—specifically from the left ventricle, the chamber that pumps oxygenated blood throughout the body. The tissue showed no signs of artificial preservation, yet remained intact after twelve centuries. The blood, despite having coagulated into five irregular globules, retained the proteins and minerals of fresh blood. Remarkably, each globule, despite its different size, weighs exactly the same as the others combined—as if to demonstrate that Christ is fully present whether the host is broken into many pieces or consumed whole.
In 1973, the Higher Council of the World Health Organization appointed a scientific commission to verify Linoli's conclusions. Over five hundred examinations were conducted during fifteen months of study. The commission confirmed every finding and added that the flesh showed evidence of having been taken from a living heart—not removed post-mortem. The investigation's results were published in New York and Geneva in 1976, stating that science was incapable of providing an explanation for the phenomenon.
☩ Pilgrimage Sites in Lanciano
Santuario del Miracolo Eucaristico
Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Miracle (Church of San Francesco)
The Franciscan church housing the miracle relics was built in 1258 over a pre-existing seventh-century church—the original site of the miracle. The relics are displayed in an elaborate marble ciborium behind the main altar, visible from the nave. Pilgrims may ascend a stairway behind the altar for closer viewing. The flesh is preserved in a silver monstrance crafted in Naples in the early eighteenth century, while the five blood globules rest in a seventeenth-century rock crystal chalice below. Adjacent museum rooms present the history of the miracle with explanatory panels, photographs, scientific documentation, and testimonies from pilgrims over the centuries. The sanctuary is served by the Franciscan Friars Minor Conventual, who have been custodians since 1252. Daily Mass is celebrated, and confession is available.
Cattedrale Basilica della Madonna del Ponte
Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Bridge
The seat of the Archdiocese of Lanciano-Ortona stands just twenty paces from the Eucharistic Miracle sanctuary. The cathedral is built literally atop the ancient Diocletian Bridge, a Roman-era structure that gives the church its distinctive name. Pope Pius X elevated it to a Minor Basilica in 1909, and it was declared a National Monument in 1940. The current structure, built in the eighteenth century, blends neoclassical and Baroque styles with paintings by Giacinto Diano, vaulted ceiling frescoes, and a magnificent marble altar by the Di Cicco brothers. The revered terracotta statue of the Madonna del Ponte was crowned in 1833. Beneath the cathedral lies the Diocletian Auditorium, part of a subterranean archaeological complex connecting to nearby churches.
Chiesa di Sant'Agostino
Church of Saint Augustine
One of Lanciano's most important Gothic structures, founded around 1313 by the sculptor Francesco Petrini. The finely sculpted facade echoes the nearby Santa Maria Maggiore. Attached to the church is the octagonal Chapel of Saints Simon and Jude, which has housed relics of the two apostles since 1412. The chapel is richly decorated with stuccoes, frescoes, statues, and banners, and serves as the home of the Confraternity of Saints Apostles Simon and Jude Thaddeus.
Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore
Church of Saint Mary Major
A Gothic parish church in the historic Civitanova district, construction began around 1227 under the patronage of Emperor Frederick II, putatively erected atop a former Temple of Apollo. The refurbishment of 1317 created the elegant Gothic facade seen today, featuring a rose window, mullioned windows, and an ogival portal—attributed to master craftsman Francesco Petrini. One of the most architecturally significant churches in Abruzzo.
🕯️ Annual Feast Days & Celebrations
Feast of the Eucharistic Miracle — Last Sunday of October
The principal annual celebration brings pilgrims from across Italy and beyond. The relics are carried in solemn procession through the streets of Lanciano, accompanied by the Archbishop, clergy, religious, and faithful. Special Masses and Eucharistic adoration mark the week preceding the feast. In 1887, Archbishop Petarca obtained from Pope Leo XIII a perpetual plenary indulgence for those who venerate the Eucharistic Miracle during the eight days before the feast.
La Squilla — December 23
A distinctive local tradition beginning at the Cathedral of Madonna del Ponte. This symbolic procession commemorates Mary and Joseph's pilgrimage to Bethlehem on the eve of Christmas Eve, filling the streets with torchlight and Advent hymns.
Corpus Christi — May/June (60 days after Easter)
The universal feast of the Body and Blood of Christ takes on particular significance in Lanciano. Eucharistic processions and adoration center on the sanctuary, drawing pilgrims who wish to venerate the miracle on this doctrinally appropriate day.
🛏️ Where to Stay
Hotel Excelsior ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Four-star hotel on Viale della Rimembranza offering comfortable rooms, a shared lounge, and terrace. Easy access to the historic center and all pilgrimage sites. Website ∙ Reserve this hotel
Albergo Roma ⭐⭐ — Family-run establishment in the city center, highly rated by guests for warm hospitality and excellent breakfast. Walking distance to the Eucharistic Miracle sanctuary, cathedral, and bus terminal. Reserve this hotel
Agriturismo Angelucci (rural accommodation) — Countryside property within ten minutes' drive of the sanctuary, offering a peaceful retreat after pilgrimage. Traditional Abruzzese hospitality. Reserve this property
🚗 Getting There
By Air: Pescara Airport (PSR) is Abruzzo's main airport, approximately 50 kilometers north. The Pescara Airlink shuttle connects hourly to Pescara Centrale railway station (15-20 minutes).
By Train: From Pescara Centrale, trains run to San Vito-Lanciano station (approximately 45 minutes). From Rome, take the train to Pescara with a connection to San Vito-Lanciano (approximately 3-4 hours total).
By Bus: DI FONZO and SANGRITANA buses connect Lanciano to Pescara (approximately 1 hour, EUR 3-5). DiFonzo also operates direct service from Rome (approximately 3 hours). The Lanciano Sangritana bus station is about ten minutes' walk from the sanctuary.
By Car: From Pescara, take the A14 motorway south, exiting at Lanciano. From Rome, take the A25 toward Pescara, then A14 south (approximately 2.5 hours). Large public parking is available near the sanctuary.
📚 Further Reading
Books:
Joan Carroll Cruz. Eucharistic Miracles and Eucharistic Phenomena in the Lives of the Saints — Comprehensive survey of Eucharistic miracles including an extensive chapter on Lanciano.
Bob Lord and Penny Lord. This Is My Body, This Is My Blood: Miracles of the Eucharist — Accessible accounts of major Eucharistic miracles with devotional reflections.
Online Resources:
Physician Tells of Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano — EWTN's detailed account of Professor Linoli's scientific investigation.
Official Sanctuary Website — Mass schedules, visiting hours, and pilgrimage information from the Franciscan custodians.
🔗 Useful Links
Sangro Aventino Tourism — Regional tourism information for the Lanciano area.
Archdiocese of Lanciano-Ortona — Official diocesan website with liturgical information.
🧭 Nearby Pilgrimage Destinations
Ortona (20 km) — The Basilica of San Tommaso Apostolo has housed the relics of Saint Thomas the Apostle since 1258. The "Cammino di San Tommaso" pilgrimage route connects Rome to this shrine.
Manoppello (50 km) — The Basilica of the Holy Face houses the Veil of Manoppello, believed by many to be the Veil of Veronica bearing the miraculous image of Christ's face.
San Giovanni Rotondo (160 km) — The sanctuary of Saint Padre Pio, where the stigmatized priest spent the last fifty-two years of his life and where his tomb draws millions annually.
Monte Sant'Angelo (180 km) — The oldest shrine in Western Europe dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and major pilgrimage destination since the fifth century.
🪶 Closing Reflection
"The Church and the world have a great need of Eucharistic adoration. Jesus waits for us in this sacrament of love. Let us be generous with our time in going to meet Him in adoration and in contemplation that is full of faith and ready to make reparation for the great faults and crimes of the world." — Pope Saint John Paul II, Dominicae Cenae, 3
