A famous and ancient tradition in Italy is undoubtedly the preparation of the crèche during Advent time. It’s a representation of Nativity assembled in houses, churches or along city streets with statuettes of various dimensions or, sometimes, with real people who decide to take part to a living crèche. It’s thanks to this kind of centennial customs that the past keeps accompanying current and future generations, because otherwise it would be forgotten and it would soon disappear. Some crèches are real art masterpieces, so don’t forget to visit the best ones in Tuscany which have been built after months of hard work by artists and carpenters!
We suggest you eight places you need to see during your holiday in Tuscany and we also add our advice about the properties you should book for your stay:
CASTELFIORENTINO:The inhabitants and the artists of this city between Siena and Florence fill up the old town center, its streets, windowsills and balconies with dozens of their handmade creations. Often, they use uncommon materials such as sugar, pasta, plastic or cathode ray tubes of old televisions. The biggest and most beautiful crèche is prepared in the Oratorio San Filippo and it covers a surface of about 50 square meters.
LECORE (SIGNA):
A few kilometers from Florence you find Lecore (Signa) where a big crèche is prepared every year in San Pietro church: it covers the altar and the apsis, it changes every year and its small houses are made of cardboard.
Where to stay? Choose Villa la Selva !
CIGOLI:
Cigoli, a village near San Miniato (PI), hosts one of Tuscany’s biggest technological crèches in its Santuario della Madre dei Bimbi. It covers a 100 square meters surface and, thanks to modern technologies, the cycle of day is recreated through some lights effects. Its dimensions and aspect change every year and its beauty is indisputable.
Where to stay? Choose Il Fienile di Giovanna!
PESCAGLIA:
Right in the middle of a wood in the "Media Valle del Serchio", in the province of Lucca, you will find a grotto called “Buca delle Campore” where a peculiar crèche is prepared every year. Its beauty is especially linked to its scenario, with a magical light and calcareous stalactites. The cavern can be reached through a 600 m walk through the trees and it’s indicated for adventurous tourists. But don’t worry: it’s really worth it.
STAZZEMA:
“Antro del Corchia” crèches in Stazzema (LU) are the most suggestive in the region: they are assembled in a well-known, huge cave (2km long) by the “Maestri del Carnevale di Viareggio” and by the students of the Liceo Artistico “Stagio Stagi” in Pietrasanta. They really deserve to be seen because of the unique beauty of the place they’re in and of the masterpieces they're formed by.
Where to stay? Choose Villa Oliveta !
LA CAVALCATA DEI MAGI (FI):
The “Cavalcata dei Re Magi” is a celebration organized every year on January 6th in the center of Florence since the time of Cosimo de’ Medici and it was well beloved by his family. Actually, this celebration was cancelled after the family's fall and it wasn’t restored before 1996. The participants wearing ancient Renaissance costumes are more than 700, along with the representatives of foreign religions' communities. The procession starts in Piazza Pitti and it ends in front of Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral, where the Magi give their presents to the crèche near the Dome.
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SAN ROMANO:
In the “Santuario della Maria Madre della Divina Grazia” in San Romano (PI) there are two wonderful crèches: one is in the cloister square covering 300 square meters, while the second is in the Medici Saloon and it has a Neapolitan style.
Where to stay? Choose Villa Lorenza !
CERTOSA DEL GALLUZZO (FI):
Every year, Cistercian monks assemble in the small chapel in the Certosa del Galluzzo (FI) a beautiful crèche where they recreate day and night with light effects. It is mechanized and it’s perfect for children, who always get surprised looking at it.
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