The most beautiful nativity scenes in Florence

From the one on the cathedral forecourt to the historical one in the Basilica of Santo Spirito: here are the ones to visit

For the fifteenth consecutive year, the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore renews one of the city’s most cherished Christmas traditions: on the parvis of Florence Cathedral, the large Nativity scene with life-size terracotta statues returns, on display to the public until Epiphany.

What makes the Duomo’s Nativity scene unique is its use of fully rounded terracotta sculptures—one-of-a-kind pieces handcrafted by Luigi Mariani, master artisan of a historic Impruneta kiln. Donated by Mariani to the Opera, these statues belong to Florence’s centuries-old terracotta tradition, a technique revived in the 15th century by Donatello and Brunelleschi after centuries of medieval neglect.

The crib on the parvis of Florence Cathedral where it will remain until Epiphany

At the Rivoli Boutique Hotel, the 14th Edition of Claudio Ladurini’s Nativity Exhibition returns, enriched this year by a precious new section featuring over 70 miniature Nativity scenes from the private collection of Father Graziano, parish priest of Santa Maria Novella. These small works—crafted around the world using diverse materials and techniques—offer a contemplative pause and highlight the richness of Nativity traditions across cultures.

Ladurini’s creations, which remain at the heart of the exhibition, depict the Nativity through evocative mechanical settings, the result of a lifetime dedicated to craftsmanship. Once again, the hotel joins the “Metti un presepe in vetrina” initiative and renews its support for the Tommasino Bacciotti Foundation, doubling all donations collected during the exhibition period.

Rivoli Boutique Hotel, Florence

Until January 6, the Church of Santa Felicita hosts the exhibition of the famous Cracow Nativity Scenes, a unique Christmas tradition and a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2018. Handcrafted from wood and tin foil, these Nativity scenes combine depictions of the Holy Family with the architecture and symbols typical of Cracow, including towers, castles, historic monuments, and patriotic figures.

In addition to the Holy Family, the scenes often feature the Three Wise Men, shepherds, animals, historical and legendary characters such as the Lajkonik, as well as figures in traditional and contemporary attire. Some Nativity scenes are animated with carillons that play Cracow melodies or Christmas songs. The exhibition also celebrates the 40th anniversary of the twinning between Florence and Cracow and is organized by the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Poland in Florence and Tuscany, in collaboration with the Cracow Museum and other institutions.

As tradition dictates, the entrance of the Basilica of Santo Spirito once again hosts the Santo Spirito Nativity Scene, created by master artisan Albino Todeschini. Entry to the Basilica is free, though tourist visits are not permitted during liturgical celebrations.

Presepe Albino Todeschini

During the Christmas season, guided tours of Villa La Quiete include a visit to its historic 18th-century Nativity scene, set up inside the villa’s church. This precious example of Tuscan sculptural craftsmanship showcases the rich scenographic tradition of Nativity representation. Tours take place on the following dates: December 2025: 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28. January 2026: 3 and 4. Times: 10:30 AM (first tour) and 11:30 AM (second tour) — duration: 1 hour.

Among the other long-established Nativity scenes, visitors can explore the Certaldo Nativity scenes, displayed in the Limonaia of the medieval village and in the parterre of Palazzo Pretorio, curated by the Certaldo Alto Historic Center Association. Created over many years using large, finely crafted wooden and ceramic statues—each about one meter tall and handmade by master artisans, primarily from Val Gardena—the Nativity has grown from its original core to include new characters each year. The evocative scenographic effects, set over more than 60 square meters, feature a choreographed sequence of lights and music lasting several minutes.

Once again, during the festive season, Cerreto Guidi transforms into an open-air museum of Nativity scenes: thanks to the creativity of local residents, every corner of the village—doors, windows, alleyways, and viewpoints—becomes an original homage to the Nativity. Among the most anticipated displays is the Crocheted Nativity Scene, open every Saturday, Sunday, and public holiday from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Finally, the Nativity Scene of the Don Orione Institute in Florence is also open to visitors. This elaborate display tells not only the story of Christ’s birth but the entire arc of His life, from key moments of His ministry to the Passion and Resurrection. The setting evokes an agricultural, pastoral world reminiscent of ancient Palestine, with immersive lighting that shifts from dawn to dusk and natural ambient sounds that enrich the experience. The Nativity scene is fully accessible, with ramps and stairlifts available for visitors.