The construction of the Sacca quarter dates back to around the end of the 1200s. According to some historians the neighbourhood of Lanciano was originally inhabited by some Jewish families. In 1191, in fact, when the Jews were readmitted into the Kingdom of Naples, 80 families were admitted to the Sacca with precise obligations and prohibitions. The construction of the church of San Nicola in this ancient neighbourhood dates back to the mid 13th century on the ruins of the pre existing San Pellegrino church, which had been destroyed by fire. The church is located along with the adjacent church of San Rocco next to a fine wall positioned towards la Maiella. At the beginning of the 18th century a further  23 lesser altars were constructed and in the middle of the same century  the roof was rebuilt. The entrance located on Via Garibaldi  has stone supports and stone architraves and is crowned by a round double arch. At the summit of the external arch is an image of San Nicola, along with the arms of the city and those of the Ricci family. The entrance is completed by a moulded cornice mounted on an iron cross. The side entrance is smaller and is closed off by a round arch. Next to this is a bell tower made of bricks and embellished with ‘cappuccina ‘ style cornicing marking each level, typical of the local Roman-Gothic tradition. The interior is developed into three naves, the bays of the central nave are covered with ribbed vaults resting on pairs of piers - or square bottomed columns - . The right hand side nave is completed with cross vaults, the left hand side nave with ribbed vaults. The apse has a domed roof.