Cinque Terre Italy

The magical lighted nativity scene in Manarola will light up again this year, as every year, on December 8, 2023. This beauty can be admired daily from 5:30pm to 10pm until January 14, 2024.

The Presepe in Manarola is the biggest Christmas Nativity in the world. Do not miss the spectacular opening ceremony of this world famous outdoor nativity scene, in the middle of the Cinque Terre vineyards.

The lighted nativity (presepe) of Manarola in Cinque Terre

If you are in the area on December 8, do not miss the first official lighting up of the Nativity Scene at around 5.30pm from the piazza of Chiesa di San Lorenzo in Manarola. The same afternoon there is a gospel concert in the San Lorenzo Church and at 5.30pm the spectacular torchlight procession.

Mr. Mario Andreoli started to build this unique nativity scene in 1976 and continued until his death in December 2022. The entire hill above Manarola is covered with lights and for this project 7 miles of electric cables, 15000 lights and 300 full-scale figures are needed. This unique nativity scene is made only of recycled materials powered by a photovoltaic system. The 4000 square meters of steep ground on which it is set up are not easy to reach.

If you want to admire the Christmas Nativity, you will have the best views walking up the path between Manarola and Riomaggiore. The nativity scene can also be seen from the central square of Manarola.