There's a life-size nativity scene in Piazza Municipio!

Angelo e Adele
3 hours ago
2 min read

Yes, we're still in Piazza Municipio, the square where the City of Naples experiments with contemporary art-based urban landscape interventions that sometimes spark heated debate. But this time, it seems there won't be any controversy, because until January 8th, the square will host a life-size nativity scene made by the artisans of San Gregorio Armeno, already photographed by countless tourists and passersby.

Let's give the floor to the City of Naples, which presents the initiative on its website as follows:

The project was created by the Botteghe di San Gregorio Armeno APS association, which brings together almost all the master craftsmen of the famous street in the historic center, with the active participation of other artisan groups in the city: the master tailors of the Le Mani di Napoli association created the Holy Family's clothing, and the Master Potters' Associations produced the amphorae and ceramic elements for the scene. The gifts on display are the work of artisans from the Borgo Orefici and master ceramists, in collaboration with the Palizzi Institute.

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The Nativity, created in the 18th-century nativity scene style, features life-size figures with stuffed souls, glass eyes, a wooden head, hands, and feet, and tailored clothes made by the Le Mani di Napoli association. The three main figures, along with the angel, are enclosed in a wood and glass display case, allowing the work to be enjoyed from all sides.

The display of the Holy Family in Piazza Municipio reflects the need to create an initiative that demonstrates the profound connection between Neapolitan nativity scene art and the city: the life-size Nativity is located in the center of the square, positioned as a focal point between Palazzo San Giacomo, Castel Nuovo, and the port, with the majestic and magical looming Vesuvius in front.

Let's take a look at some images of this creation, apologizing if the sun's reflection on the glass display case has partially compromised their quality: