The Nativity of Manarola, the largest luminous nativity scene in the world

The largest luminous nativity scene in the world is located in Italy, exactly on the hill of one of the most picturesque and fascinating villages in Liguria. Manarola, the ancient seaside village of the Riviera di Levante, is set in the splendid setting of the Cinque Terre. The Manarola Nativity was inaugurated in 2007 and was immediately included in the Guinness Book of World Records. It is a true work of art consisting of an installation of 300 life-size figures that occupy the entire Hill of the Three Crosses, a breathtaking spectacle created through the ''use of 17,000 light bulbs and over 5 miles of electrical cables. The entire thing is constructed of waste and recovery materials and powered by a photovoltaic system.



The Nativity scene was conceived and built by Mario Andreoli, a former employee of the Italian railways who since 1976, year after year, by inserting some new characters and other symbols of the Nativity, has managed to cover over 4000 square meters of terraces and vineyards in the Val di Vara. An incessant and tenacious work that still continues to be enriched with lights and colors of extraordinary beauty. The market is an evocative spectacle now known all over the world, and every year attracts thousands of visitors ready to let themselves be drawn into the magical atmosphere of Christmas.



The Nativity scene can be admired from the central square of Manarola, but to enjoy the most beautiful of spectacles, you must reach the square in front of the church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. Every December 8 around 5:30 pm, there is a lighting ceremony that is followed by a triumph of fireworks. The closing date changes from year to year, but usually occurs around the end of January or early February.

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