Manarola Illuminated Nativity Scene

The work began thanks to Mario Andreoli, a former railway worker from Manarola, who in 1961 lit up the Three Crosses for the first time to fulfil a wish of his father. From that initial gesture, over the years, an increasingly large project took shape, eventually becoming a vast illuminated installation made up of hundreds of figures.

Today, the Nativity Scene is recognised as the largest illuminated Nativity scene in the world and is one of the most anticipated winter events in the Cinque Terre. The figures, made from simple materials and illuminated along the hillside, create a scene that speaks directly with the landscape: the village, the sea, the hill and the lights become part of a single image.

The value of the Illuminated Nativity Scene is not only scenic. It also tells of the link between individual creativity, family memory and the local community. Over time, it has become a symbol of Manarola, attracting visitors in the winter months and offering a different reading of the village, far from the purely summer image of the Cinque Terre.

The best view is from the centre of Manarola, from the marina area, from Punta Bonfiglio and from viewpoints facing the Hill of the Three Crosses. The lighting usually takes place during the Christmas period, with dates and times that may vary from year to year.