Cathedral of San Lucio, Baroque cathedral in Atessa, Italy.

The Cathedral of San Leucio is a five-aisle basilica without an apse in Atessa. Its facade, rebuilt in 1935, has a triangular pediment, three pointed portals reached by two ramps with asymmetric columns by Felice Giuliante, and a rose window by the school of Francesco Petrini framed by an archivolt on stylophorous lions. The interior is covered with late-baroque decorations imitating marble.

A church dedicated to Saint Leucio is documented from 874. In 1096 Counts Robert I of Loritello and his brother Drogone returned it to Bishop Rainolfo of Teate. Local historian Tommaso Bartoletti records a 1312 restoration that produced the rose window of the Lanciano school of Francesco Petrini and the symbols of the four evangelists. A major rebuilding from 1750 added two naves, the bell tower and a curved-gable facade, finished by 1767; the 1935 restoration reinstated the medieval facade.

The cathedral serves as a gathering place for weddings, baptisms, and funerals that mark important moments in the lives of local families. These events keep the building woven into the daily rhythm and identity of the Atessa community.

The cathedral is accessible from its western entrance and typically open to visitors during morning and afternoon hours. Arriving in the morning is often best, as you can view the stone details and interior in good natural light and avoid crowds.

In the sacristy is kept a fossil rib that tradition calls the rib of the dragon slain by Saint Leucius; it actually belongs to a large mammal and was probably given as a medieval ex votum. The church treasure also holds a gilded silver monstrance by Nicola da Guardiagrele, dated 1418.