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Nativity scenes in the Apennines
Updated on 28 January 2026
The "Pineta dei presepi" (“pine forest of nativity scenes”) is an evocative trail dotted with over 300 nativity scenes created by citizens and associations, along a path immersed in the greenery of the Loiano pine forest. The initiative, organized by the Municipality of Loiano together with the local branch of the Ramazzini Institute, in collaboration with the associations Viva il Verde, ANSPI, and Proloco, aims to enhance the natural and artistic heritage of the area, promoting conscious and balanced tourism and shared civic participation.
Set up in the church of San Lorenzo, the Castiglione nativity scene is not just a scene of the Nativity, but a true reconstruction of rural life in times gone by. Every character, every setting, and every object tells a story. The meticulously recreated interiors, such as the baker's shop or the mill, bring to mind the ancient crafts and daily activities that animated these lands for centuries. The attention to detail is meticulous, but the real surprise awaits you when you leave an offering!
The nativity scene trail winds through the Monghidoro Alps, along the last stretch of the path leading to the summit and the panoramic viewpoint. Hidden among trees and roots are numerous representations of the Nativity, handcrafted from various materials. This walk is suitable for everyone and easily accessible on foot from Fantorno or Triton's Park.
The stone nativity scene in Rioveggio is undoubtedly one of the most unique sacred representations in the Apennines: the Nativity is depicted on more than 800 stones. The imaginative and colorful nativity scene in Rioveggio can be visited during the Christmas period.
Every year, Luigi Fantini's botroid museum releases a number of finds that are colored with chalk and natural pigments and then used as figurines to set up small nativity scenes in some shop windows in Pianoro and Bologna. The particular shape of the botroids (rather “lumpy”) lends itself well to being transformed into small characters, both human and animal.
The “presepe dei frati” (nativity scene of the friars) is located in Porretta Terme, inside the Capuchin church. The entire representation includes the Nativity and some scenes from the early years of Jesus Christ's life: the figures depict arts and crafts of times gone by, lending realism to the installation (complete with lights and sounds).
During the Christmas season, the narrow streets of the medieval village of La Scola become the perfect backdrop for the nativity scene created by sculptors Marchi and Bressan. The wooden statues, which are practically life-size, are arranged in various locations, creating an ideal itinerary that leads to the Nativity scene under the centuries-old cypress tree.