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The 2025 edition of 100 Presepi<\/em>, Rome’s international nativity crib exhibition, will take place under the colonnade in St Peter’s Square from 8 December until 6 January 2026. The annual exhibition hosts\u00a0more than 100 Nativity scenes from Italy and other countries around the world. In addition to contemporary reproductions of traditional 18th-century Neapolitan and Sicilian cribs, and 19th-century Roman mangers, there are modern versions made from wood, papier-m\u00e2ch\u00e9 and terracotta, as well as unconventional materials such as sand, rice and metal.<\/p>\n Vatican Nativity scene 2024<\/span><\/p>\n This Christmas in St Peter’s Square, the Vatican’s Nativity scene will come\u00a0from the Nocera Inferiore-Sarno diocese in Italy’s southern Campania region. The Nativity scene will incorporate elements and traditions typical of the Nocera area, including references to\u00a0local spiritual figures, shepherds and fishermen.\u00a0Two zampognari bagpipers will provide musical accompaniment to the\u00a0scene which will be dominated by a large luminous comet whose tail takes the shape of an anchor.\u00a0<\/p>\n In St Peter\u2019s 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<\/a>\u2014 Wanted in Rome (@wantedinrome) December 9, 2023<\/a><\/p>\n The crib scene,\u00a0which will be set up beside the Vatican’s Christmas tree –\u00a0a 27-metre-high spruce tree from the Ultimo valley in Bolzano – is due to be inaugurated on 6 December.<\/p>\n SS. Cosma e Damiano<\/strong><\/p>\n One of Rome’s most magical Nativity scenes to visit at Christmas (and all year round) is at the church of SS. Cosma e Damiano beside the Roman Forum.<\/p>\n Epic Nativity scene at SS. Cosma e Damiano near the Colosseum. #Rome<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/Tv0ZE0a9ir<\/a>\u2014 Wanted in Rome (@wantedinrome) December 12, 2021<\/a><\/p>\n This monumental Neapolitan Nativity scene features a vast number of wooden and ceramic figures including shepherds, artisans and street vendors.<\/p>\n The oldest sculptural nativity in the world can be found at the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, where Pope Francis is buried, near the central Termini station. Artist Arnolfo di Cambio was commissioned by Pope Niccol\u00f2 V to create the marble figurines between 1290 and 1291. The\u00a0Franciscan pope was inspired by St Francis of Assisi, creator of the first living nativity, in Greccio, in 1223.<\/p>\n Photo Sovrintendenza Capitolina Roma<\/span><\/p>\n Rome traditionally sets up a large Nativity scene in\u00a0Piazza 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. *To be confirmed for 2025.<\/em><\/p>\n A traditional-style crib can be found each year in the church of Santa Maria in Via off Largo Chigi, in the city centre, which for the last six decades has housed the work of Italian members of the global crib-building association Amici del Presepio.<\/p>\n A more unusual manger scene can be found near St Peter\u2019s on Via dei Cavalleggeri 5. The street cleaner\u2019s crib, owned and cared for by Rome\u2019s rubbish collection company AMA, has a floor containing over 1,400 different stones brought by pilgrims from all over the world. Founded 50 years ago, the presepe dei netturbini<\/em> can be visited for free by appointment.<\/p>\nVatican Nativity scene<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Piazza di Spagna<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Santa Maria in Via<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Street cleaners’ crib<\/strong><\/h3>\n