What do you know about Nativity Scenes in Liguria?

Whether you are a catholic or not this is the time of the year when you can enjoy an old and reassuring tradition: the crib! Nativity sets all around the world represent an inestimable value for humanity. They certainly have got an incredible spiritual meaning but it’s not “just” that. They are very important from the artistic point of view too.

So every year in December all the Italian catholic churches set their own Presepe. A lot of them are authentic handcrafted masterpieces. There are a few (unfortunately not so much) artisan workshops specialized in the traditional crib still operating. (Above all Crib figurines of Naples are internationally famous!).

Italian regions loves Nativity Scenes especially in the south. Liguria follows likewise this deeply felt tradition.

THE BEST LIGURIAN NATIVITY SCENES IN LIGURIA

Sant’Agata (Imperia)

These three nice guys, Patrizia, Stefano and Riccardo have started to build this Presepe 40 years ago!

But year after year the effort has been extended to other friends from the village of Sant’Agata.

(don’t forget to set english subtitles)

The Capuchin Cultural Heritage Museum (Genoa)

This Museum collects the rich artistic heritage of the Ligurian monasteries of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin.

Among the invaluable paintings and sacred furnitures you can admire PresepiAMO which is an exhibition about Ligurian Nativity sets. It’s open from December to end of January. Did you know that the one set by Capuchins is one of the oldest mechanized cribs in Italy?

(don’t forget to set english subtitles))

Campo Ligure (Genoa)

In Campo Ligure you can find the famous 90sqm mechanical crib which proposes and renews a tradition that has been handed since the beginning of the ‘900.

In addition to the traditional crib there are several outdoor Nativity Sets as well.

Pentema (Genoa)

Another famous Nativity Scene in Liguria is in Pentema (Genoa). It recreates the magic atmosphere of Nativity between houses. During the visit you will meet the natural height figures that transform this village into an open air crib.

Manarola, Cinque Terre (La Spezia)

Different form the previous ones, Manarola (Cinque Terre) offers one of the largest Nativity Scene in the world. It is designed and built by Mario Andreoli and every year new details are added! Have you ever seen this terrific light performance where a hill become a crib? No? You certainly have to!

Viganego, Bargagli (Genoa)

In closing I want to mention the crib in the wood of Viganego Bargagli, Genova. It is really impressive as well as evocative. It consists in small stone houses (70 cm) literally built in the wood. This makes it one of the most original and evocative nativity scenes in Liguria. Time for visiting: approx 20 minutes.

Enjoy your Christmas time in Liguria!