If you’re travelling by motorhome, caravan or campervan, the Christmas season is the perfect time to explore Italy through some of its most magical nativity scenes.
From north to south, the country lights up with diverse traditions: hillside nativity scenes glowing with lights, medieval villages brought to life by living representations, museums preserving historical cribs and artistic works, and even underwater installations turning lakes into breathtaking backdrops.
Before you hit the road, download the Agricamper app and try the free Demo version to instantly view the stopover map and plan your trip with ease.
Travelling through nativity scenes, landscapes and traditions
Discovering Italy through its nativity scenes is a surprisingly authentic and meaningful way to experience the Christmas season.
No two Italian nativity scenes are the same: some light up entire hillsides, others turn historic villages into theatrical stages, some are hidden underwater or found in artisan workshops preserving centuries-old skills. Christmas becomes a slow and fascinating journey when seen through the lens of its presepi.
The most iconic nativity scenes in Italy to visit by motorhome
Underwater Nativity Scene in Laveno Mombello (Lombardy): lights beneath the lake
On Lake Maggiore, in the town of Laveno Mombello, you’ll find a unique nativity display: illuminated statues resting on the lakebed, visible from a walkway along the shore. At night, the lake becomes a mirror, and the figures appear to float in an almost magical silence.
Recommended experiences
- Stroll along the lakeside promenade
- Take the cable car to Sasso del Ferro for panoramic views
- Explore nearby lakeside villages
This region is also known for its gentle hills and mountainous backdrops—perfect for a motorhome getaway.
Giant Nativity Scene of Marchetto (Piedmont): a village transformed
In the village of Mosso, in the Cervo Valley, an entire hamlet becomes a widespread nativity scene. Over 200 life-size figures fill streets, squares, porches and scenic viewpoints. As you walk through the village, it feels like you’re stepping directly into a living nativity tableau.
Things to do nearby
- Follow the full nativity trail
- Visit the San Giovanni d’Andorno Sanctuary
- Take short hikes through the valley’s chestnut woods and streams
The surrounding nature offers a peaceful, immersive experience in the heart of a mountain village.
Manarola’s Light Nativity (Liguria): a hillside aglow
No Christmas tour of Italy would be complete without the Cinque Terre, where Manarola hosts one of the most spectacular nativity displays in Italy. Every year, thousands of lights illuminate the entire hillside, creating large and small figures. At sunset, the view from the village or the sea is truly enchanting, as the natural and artistic elements blend into one scene.
Things to do nearby
- Walk up to Punta Bonfiglio for a stunning view of the lights
- Hike part of the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail), if open
- Wander through the harbour and streets of Manarola
This area offers sea views, terraced vineyards, and colours that shift with the light—a truly magical atmosphere.
Historic Nativity in Greccio (Lazio): where it all began
If you love places steeped in history, Greccio won’t disappoint. This is where St. Francis created the first living nativity scene in 1223. The peaceful village is surrounded by the forests of the Sacred Valley of Rieti, making the experience even more atmospheric.
Recommended activities
- Visit the Franciscan Sanctuary, nestled between rocks and forest
- Wander through the medieval village
- Walk a section of the Way of St. Francis
The surrounding mountains offer peaceful views, perfect for a nature break after visiting the birthplace of the Franciscan nativity.
Neapolitan Nativity Scenes: the soul of San Gregorio Armeno (Campania)
In Naples, the nativity scene is more than a tradition—it’s a way of life. San Gregorio Armeno is lined with workshops where artisans have crafted terracotta figures for generations. These figures go beyond the traditional Holy Family, including celebrities, local characters, and scenes from everyday life.
Don’t miss
- Strolling along the famous nativity street
- Visiting the San Martino Museum with its historic crib collections
- Exploring the ancient Decumani and their millennia-old architecture
And don’t forget: the view from Vomero hill is one of the best over the Bay of Naples.
Living Nativity of Matera (Basilicata): a natural stage in the Sassi
Matera is among the most iconic places to experience a nativity scene. When actors bring the alleys, caves, and squares of the Sassi to life, the entire landscape becomes a living set. The city, with its soft lighting and changing stone hues, offers an unforgettable atmosphere.
Things to do
- Visit the Sassi and their rock-hewn churches
- Admire the view from the Murgia Timone plateau
- Hike the trails of the Murgia Park
The wild but welcoming landscape of canyons, plateaus, and caves offers a nativity experience that feels straight out of a film.
Artistic Nativity Scenes in Trapani (Sicily): tradition in precious materials
In Trapani, nativity scenes become fine art. Many statues are crafted from coral, alabaster or other precious materials, showcasing centuries of Sicilian craftsmanship. The Pepoli Regional Museum displays some of the most stunning pieces—miniature masterpieces of elegance and creativity.
What to do
- Visit the museum and historic centre
- Walk along the city’s ancient walls
- Take the cable car to Erice, one of Sicily’s most charming villages
The area also features salt pans, hills, and sea views that shift with the wind—offering scenery like nowhere else.
Conclusion
A journey through Italy’s most iconic nativity scenes brings you face-to-face with towns, landscapes and traditions you might never have discovered otherwise. Travelling by motorhome or caravan gives you the freedom to stop whenever you like—soak in a view, return to a special place, or set off toward the next adventure.
With Agricamper, you gain an added benefit: a network of free stopovers at Italian farms and rural businesses, letting you explore the country through its authentic, agricultural roots.
👉 Download the app and try the free Demo version to view stopover locations immediately.
👉 Get your Agricamper membership to travel freely all year long.
A perfect Christmas itinerary for those who love slow, meaningful travel is waiting for you!
