The tradition of the NATIVITY SCENES is shrouded in history. During the Christmas holidays, many churches and religious places in Ravenna host fascinating artistic and symbolic displays related to the origins of Christianity.
Windows and streets of the old town and some seaside towns are embellished both with classical and iconic compositions and contemporary ideas.
From 9th to 24th December, all paid parking areas (defined by blue lines) managed by Azimut on behalf of the Municipality are free of charge from 4.30 pm, except from the one in Piazza Baracca, free of charge from 6.30 pm.
NATIVITY SCENES IN THE CITY
• FOUR NATIVITY SCENES IN THE WINDOWS
Tourist Information Office, Palazzo della Provincia – Piazza Caduti della Libertà
When: 30th November – 6th January 2025
Opening times: 8.30 am – 6 pm (every day)
Author: Raffaella Soprani
- “Accendi per gioco la Natività” (lit. turn on Nativity for fun): built with LEGO bricks inside 14″ vintage TV
- “Cartolina di un borgo marinaro” (lit. postcard from a fishing village): inspired by the marine life of fishermen in Procida, set of the film “The Postman” inside a small portable fridge
- “Natività alla TV” (lit. Nativity on TV): traditional nativity scene of the mountains realised inside 14″ vintage TV
• NATIVITY SCENE IN THE BASILICA OF SAN FRANCESCO
Basilica of San Francesco – Piazza San Francesco
When: 8th December – 6th January 2025
Opening times: 7 am – 6.30 (every day)
Authors: Gruppo MASCI di San Francesco
A nativity scene on a boat in the middle of the sea, on the right the Three Kings – that have crossed a threatening river and are going towards Bethlehem. In the background, the town on the rocks, in the sky the angel who brings the good news and the star guiding the Kings to the boat.
For more information: sanfrancesco.ra@alice.it / Padre Ivo +39 320 9750842
• GLORIA IN EXCELSIS DEO
Artistic nativity scene with mechanical statues
Cathedral of Ravenna – Piazza Duomo
Inauguration: 8th December after the Mass of 11 am
When: 8th December – 31st January 2025
Opening times: 7.30 am – 5 pm (weekdays); 7.30 am – 7 pm (Saturdays); 8 am – 7 pm (public holidays)
It is not possible to visit the nativity scene during church services.
Authors: parish group of the cathedral
For more information: +39 0544 541668 / info@ravennamosaici.it
• NATIVITY SCENES FROM THE WORLD: AUGUSTO POVERINI’S COLLECTION
Basilica of San Giovanni Evangelista – Viale Farini
When: from Christmas
Opening times: 10.30 am – 4.30 pm (from Tuesday to Sunday)
For more information: info@ravennamosaici.it
• CRISTO LUCE DEL MONDO!
Nativity Installation
Square of the Neonian Baptistery – Piazza Duomo 1
When: from Christmas
Opening times: always visible. We suggest a night visit.
Author: Gianluca Piccolo
For more information: info@ravennamosaici.it
• HISTORICAL EASTERN NATIVITY SCENE
Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore – Via Galla Placidia
When: 8th December – 12th January 2025
Opening times: 8.30 am – 6 pm (every day)
Author: parish group guided by Roberto Sangiorgi
For more information: Don Rosino Gabbiadini +39 338 7296514
• DALLE MIE MANI – PRESEPE NAPOLETANO A RAVENNA
Vicolo degli Ariani, 4a
When: 15 dicembre – 12 gennaio 2025
Opening times: 5 pm – 7 pm (weekdays); 11 am – 12.30 pm / 5 pm – 7 pm (Saturday and Sunday)
Author: Ciro Aurilia
A journey in an enchanted world, through characters and objects of the Neapolitan tradition.
For information: ciro.aurilia1@gmail.com
• DIVERSORIUM
30th edition – Artistic nativity scene
Banca Nazionale del Lavoro – Piazza del Popolo, 23
When: 14th December- 26th January 2025
Opening times: 9 am – 12 pm / 2.30 pm – 4.45 pm (weekdays)
Saturday 14th December (in conjunction with the Telethon marathon): 8.45 am – 10 pm
Author: Ciro Aurilia
For information: ciro.aurilia1@gmail.com
• ARTISTIC NATIVITY SCENE “IL VERBO INCARNATO”
Nativity scene of Istituto del Verbo Incarnato
Santa Maria delle Croci Hospital – Via Missiroli, 10
When: 21st December – 10th February 2025
Opening times: 8 am – 7 pm (every day)
Author: Ciro Aurilia
• IL PRESEPE CIRO – 30th EDITION
Chiesa Arcipretale San Biagio – Via Chiesa, 7
Inauguration: 8th December, after the 10-am Mass
When: 8th December – 4th February 2025
Opening times: 9 am – 12 pm / 4 pm – 7 pm (every day)
Author: Ciro Aurilia
For more information: ciro.aurilia1@gmail.com
• IL PRESEPE DELLA CARITÀ
Opera di S. Teresa del Bambino Gesù – entrance from Via A. De Gasperi, 67
Inauguration: Friday 20th December, 12 pm
When: 23rd December – 12th January 2025
Opening 22th December: 10.30 am – 1 pm / 3 pm – 5.30 pm
Opening times: 9.30 am – 12.30 pm / 3.30 pm – 5.30 pm (every day)
The nativity scene is set up in the room behind the Solidarity Space “Alla Beneficenza” (where items, accessories and gift ideas are on display and can be chosen on a free will offering basis. The proceeds benefit people in need who use the Showers, Cloakroom and Refreshment Service at St. Theresa’s)
Per informazioni: Luciano di Buò +39 349 8906910 / operasantateresa.it
NATIVITY SCENES OUTSIDE THE HISTORICAL CENTRE
• LIVING NATIVITY SCENE IN CLASSE
Entrance to Bethlehem
Casa dei Ragazzi – Via Romea Sud 224, Classe
Opening times: 24th December from 7 pm to 11.30 pm / 6th January from 3 pm to 6 pm
The living nativity scene of Classe features the reconstruction of the Christmas night, where characters are interpreted by volunteers of Classe.
Curated by Commissione del Presepio Vivente together with Parroco Don Mauro Marzocchi.
For more information: www.parrocchiadiclasse.it / presepe@parrocchiadiclasse.it
• PRESEPE DEL MARE
Project “La via dei Presepi del Mare”
Church of San Lorenzo – Piazza Marradi 4, Casalborsetti
When: 8th December – 8th January 2025
Opening times: 8.30 am – 6 pm (every day)
Author: Rino Belletti
Nativity scene realised with seashells, organised by the Parish of San Lorenzo in collaboration with the Pro Loco of Casalborsetti.
For more information: 320 2471134
• PRESEPE VALLI PINETA
Project “La via dei Presepi del Mare”
Public Gardens – Viale Italia, Marina Romea
When: 8th December – 8th January 2025
Opening times: always visible
Nativity scene realised with figures representing the landscape of the lagoons and of the pine forest, organised by the Pro Loco of Marina Romea.
For more information: +39 320 7677011
• PRESEPE DELLA SACRA FAMIGLIA
Project “La via dei Presepi del Mare”
Public Gardens – Via Volano, Porto Corsini
When: 8th December – 8th January 2025
Opening times: always visible
Nativity scene realised by the Pro Loco of Porto Corsini, in collaboration with students of Liceo Artistico Nervi-Severini of Ravenna and volunteer parents
For more information: +39 338 4130805
• IRON NATIVITY SCENE
Piazza Dora Markus – Marina di Ravenna
When: 7th December – 9th January 2025
Opening times: always visible, with lights at night
Authors: C.S.R.C. Portuali, Compagnia Portuale in collaboration with the Port Authority, Pro Loco of Marina di Ravenna and Marina E20
Author: Enrico Bartolozzi (at Mariport)
Nativity scene realised with metal sheets – 7 figures representing the nativity (the tallest of which is 3 metres high)
For information: +39 338 9543835 / spadarogigi@gmail.com ; 335 6364640 / marinomoroni@gmail.com
• MOUNTAIN-STYLE NATIVITY SCENE
Parish church of S. Giuseppe – Via Tito Speri 20, Marina di Ravenna
When: 8th December – 15th January 2025
Opening times: 9 am – 5.30 (weekdays); 9 am – 11.30 am / 12.30 pm – 6.30 pm (public holidays)
Polystyrene nativity scene, with mechanised characters, light changes and music.
For more information: +39 0544 530106
• NATIVITY SCENE IN LIDO ADRIANO
Church of San Massimiliano Kolbe – Viale Alessandro Manzoni, 381 Lido Adriano
When: 10th December – 19th January 2025
Opening times: 11 am – 12 pm / 4 pm – 6 pm (from Monday to Friday); on public holidays, 30 minutes before the Mass.
Author: collaboration between the “Amare Lido Adriano” association and the parish church of Lido Adriano.
The nativity scene (2 x 1.50 mt) features traditional ceramic statues and mechanised moving parts.
For more information: +39 338 4965957 / amarelidoadriano@gmail.com
• PALESTINIAN NATIVITY SCENE WITH LIFE-SIZE STATUES
Park in front of Chiesa Priorale di S. Adalberto – Piazza Garibaldi 12, Sant’Alberto
When: 8th December – 19th January 2025
Opening hours: always visible, lightened up until 12 am
Authors: Gruppo Parrocchiale di Sant’Alberto
For more information: +39 342 8028163
• HISTORICAL EASTERN-STYLE NATIVITY SCENE
Entrance of ‘Hospice Villa Adalgisa – Via Fiume Montone Abbandonato, 447
When: 8th December – 6th January 2025
Opening times: always visible
Author: Piergianni Gualtieri
• POPULAR ROMAGNA-STYLE NATIVITY SCENE
Centro didattico ricreativo “Labadabadu” – Via Cella 255, San Bartolo
When: 8th December – 6th January 2025
Opening times: always visible
Authors: Piergianni Gualtieri e Paolo Gardini
• LIVING NATIVITY SCENE
Arena di Pietra di Mezzano – Piazza John Lennon, Mezzano
When: Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th December, 10 am – 12 pm / 2 pm – 5 pm
Authors: Arte del Creare APS in collaboration with Croce Rossa Italiana Comitato di Ravenna and Associazione Onlus Casa d’Accoglienza Bambini Indifesi
Living nativity scene with the representation of ancient crafts, involving citizens and schools.
