Santa Maria Maggiore, Gothic church in Lanciano, Italy
Description
Santa Maria Maggiore is a Gothic church building in Lanciano, characterized by a pointed arch portal with a rose window, mullioned windows, and columns decorated with spiraling ribbons on the main facade. The structure sits on Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore within the historic Civitanova district and is accessed via a broad set of stairs.
History
Frederick II ordered the construction of this church in 1227, replacing an earlier structure that had been built over the remains of an ancient temple dedicated to Apollo. This rebuild reflects the reshaping of urban space in the 13th century under imperial authority.
Culture
The church houses a gilded silver processional crucifix made in 1402 by the skilled craftsman Nicolandrea da Guardagrele. This work represents the quality of religious metalwork valued in the region during the medieval period.
Practical
The church is easy to locate as it sits on a central square in the oldest district and is highlighted by a broad staircase. Visitors should take time to examine the facade details, which are visible from ground level.
Did you know?
The tympanum above the entrance displays three carved figures forming a crucifixion scene, a rare example of this sculptural technique on a Gothic church facade. This sculptural detail is often overlooked, yet it shows how 13th-century artists portrayed dramatic religious content in stone on the exterior of the building.
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