The Capital is preparing to celebrate Christmas and as per tradition the classic nativity scenes of Rome return, perhaps the most authentic way of telling Christmas, far from the consumerist idea of simple decoration and closer to the true nature of Christmas, the one that celebrates the birth of Christ. The nativity scene expresses a silent language that mixes faith, tradition and daily life, made up of details that ask for time and attention, without special effects or phrases of circumstance. As the holidays approach, the city stops relying only on lights and trees and returns to telling itself through more sober images, capable of talking about birth and waiting with a certain discretion.
Between the center and the surrounding areas, the Christmas period thus draws a path made up of very different nativity scenes in style and size, united by a strong evocative capacity. From St. Peter’s Square to the more intimate neighborhoods, passing through alleys and less traveled spaces, a story emerges that spans centuries and different sensibilities. An itinerary to follow calmly, letting yourself be guided by your gaze rather than by habit, as the calendar tightens and Christmas takes shape.
100 Nativity scenes in the Vatican: the art of the Nativity under the Colonnade
The most awaited event is renewed under Bernini’s Colonnade, where the international exhibition ‘100 Nativity Scenes in the Vatican’ comes to life. Now in its seventh edition, the exhibition is part of the ‘The Jubilee is culture’ exhibition promoted by the Dicastery for Evangelization.
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Opening from 8 December, it will remain open to visitors until 6 January 2026 and features creations from Europe, Asia and the United States. The artists interpreted the Nativity using unusual materials, particular shapes and bold color palettes. Here for more information.
The Stefanucci Museum: a journey through the nativity scenes of the world
Fans of figurines can continue the journey towards Rione Monti, where the Church of Saints Quirico and Giuditta hides a treasure in the basement. The ‘Angelo Stefanucci’ International Typological Museum of the Nativity Scene displays dozens of representations of the Nativity from every continent. The permanent collection includes nativity scenes made with different artisan techniques, alongside ancient books, commemorative medals, vintage posters and themed stamps. Here for more information.
The eighteenth-century Neapolitan nativity scene and the statues of Santa Maria Maggiore
A few steps from the Church of Saints Cosma and Damiano you can admire an eighteenth-century Neapolitan nativity scene, visible all year round. Restored in the twentieth century, it shows the Nativity immersed in the daily life of the time: soldiers, tavern keepers, street vendors and domestic animals enliven the scene, creating a lively fresco of Neapolitan society.
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The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore houses one of the oldest nativity scenes in the capital, dating back to the 13th century, the nativity scene by Arnolfo di Cambio, commissioned by Pope Nicholas IV: eight marble statues that testify to the devotion of past centuries. Here for more information.
The street cleaners’ nativity scene: Palestine rebuilt in Testaccio
In the Testaccio district, the ‘Nativity scene of street cleaners’ attracts thousands of visitors every year. Born in the early seventies from the initiative of some ecological operators led by Giuseppe Ianni, it faithfully reproduces Palestine of two thousand years ago.
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The display is continually enriched thanks to gifts and stone fragments from all over the world. Hundreds of handcrafted miniatures, plays of light, sound effects and detailed reconstructions of places in the Holy Land create an immersive atmosphere. Here for more information.
Merry Christmas!
