Our last article outlined the Italian tradition of Presepi, or Nativity Scenes, and their origins and cultural significance. This second installment aims to help you find some real examples if you have found a vacation rental in Tuscany and are planning on spending time in the region over the festive period.
We have put together a long, but in no way exhaustive, list of some of the better Presepi that you can find in Tuscany.
However, as we mentioned in the last article, almost every church and town will have one, though they may vary in scale, style and elaboration. Among these, you may even find some hidden gems that we haven't listed so take this as a rough guide rather than the bible.
We have put together a long, but in no way exhaustive, list of some of the better Presepi that you can find in Tuscany.
However, as we mentioned in the last article, almost every church and town will have one, though they may vary in scale, style and elaboration. Among these, you may even find some hidden gems that we haven't listed so take this as a rough guide rather than the bible.
During the Christmas period in Florence you will find a traditional terracotta Presepe in front of the Duomo that is open through December and January and features a life-size nativity scene. Mugello, meanwhile, from the 4th of December 2016 until the 11th of January 2017, will be able to boast a staggering 100 Presepi located in the Palazzuolo sul Senio and on the streets all over the city. These will be life-size affairs open from 5:15 pm to 7:15 pm and you can even vote for your favourite!
In Cigoli in San Miniato, from the 6th of December until the 11th of January, the Presepe Artistico will take place. Le Ville, a small hamlet located between Arezzo and Monterchi, will host a live nativity scene on the 25th to the 26th of December 2016 and from the 1st to the 6th of January 2017 from 5:15 pm to 7:15 pm. Stazzema in the province of Lucca meanwhile, will have a scene presented in the Grotta Turistica Antro del Corchia, a cave from December 2016 into January 2017.
In Cigoli in San Miniato, from the 6th of December until the 11th of January, the Presepe Artistico will take place. Le Ville, a small hamlet located between Arezzo and Monterchi, will host a live nativity scene on the 25th to the 26th of December 2016 and from the 1st to the 6th of January 2017 from 5:15 pm to 7:15 pm. Stazzema in the province of Lucca meanwhile, will have a scene presented in the Grotta Turistica Antro del Corchia, a cave from December 2016 into January 2017.
The Basilica di Maria SS.ma delle Grazie, Cappella del Pellegrino in Piazza Masaccio, in the province of Arezzo will differentiate itself by holding a very special exhibition of multiple nativity scenes from all around the world and Rapolano Terme and Pisa are both home to a Museo di Presepi, museums for nativity scenes, with Pisa's being open year-round and Rapolano Terme's changing each year. Vinci hosts a mechanical nativity scene from the 8th of December 2016 until the 10th of January 2017 in Santa Maria a Petroio from 9:30 am to 8:30 pm each day and Bibbiena's Castello di Gressa put on a live nativity scene within the castle walls.
Unique, beautiful and traditional, these Presepi are a must for those planning on travelling to Tuscany this holiday season.
Unique, beautiful and traditional, these Presepi are a must for those planning on travelling to Tuscany this holiday season.
