A short guide to Christmas cribs and Nativity scenes to visit in Rome over the festive season.
100 Presepi
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Vatican Nativity scene
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This Christmas in St Peter's Square, the Vatican evokes the first living Nativity scene of St Francis on the 800th anniversary of its creation in Greccio north of Rome in 1223. In addition to the Holy Family, the manger features life-sized terracotta statues depicting St Francis and some of the people who helped him recreate the first live Nativity scene.
In St Peter’s Square tonight, the Vatican evokes the first living Nativity scene created by St Francis in Greccio 800 years ago, with life-size terracotta figures dressed in 13th-century attire. pic.twitter.com/nm2SF1ikBB
— Wanted in Rome (@wantedinrome) December 9, 2023
The crib scene, which comes from the Italian diocese of Rieti and is set up beside the Vatican's Christmas tree, can be admired until 7 January 2024.
SS. Cosma e Damiano
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Epic Nativity scene at SS. Cosma e Damiano near the Colosseum. #Rome pic.twitter.com/Tv0ZE0a9ir
— Wanted in Rome (@wantedinrome) December 12, 2021
This monumental Neapolitan Nativity scene features a vast number of wooden and ceramic figures including shepherds, artisans and street vendors.
Basilica di S. Maria Maggiore
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The oldest sculptural nativity in the world can be found at the Basilica di S. Maria Maggiore near the central Termini station. Artist Arnolfo di Cambio was commissioned by Pope Niccolò V to create the marble figurines between 1290 and 1291. The Franciscan pope was inspired by St Francis of Assisi, creator of the first living nativity, in Greccio, in 1223.
Piazza di Spagna
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Rome has set up a large Nativity scene in Piazza di Spagna, at the foot of the Spanish Steps, the work of artist Angelo Urbani del Fabbretto with the collaboration of Vincenzo Confidati. Inaugurated in 1965, the crib scene reproduces a corner of Rome animated by characters dressed in 19th-century attire. Pasquino the talking statue also makes an appearance.
S. Maria in Via
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Street cleaners' crib
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Cover image: The Vatican's 2016 Nativity Scene in St Peter's Square. Photo credit: Kiev.Victor / Shutterstock.com.