Eighteenth-century Nativity Scene in Acireale
The Cave of the Eighteenth Century Nativity of Acireale is located inside the Church of Santa Maria della Neve. It is a natural lava flow cave in which a nativity scene with 34 life-size statues dating back to the eighteenth century is set up.
The nativity scene was set up following an episode that took place one evening in late summer in 1741: the priest Don Mariano Valerio and his other brothers, on their return from a pilgrimage, surprised by a storm were forced to take refuge in the cave. Don Valerio, enchanted by the depth of that cave, commissioned some local artisans to create the 34 characters to set up a cave similar to that of Bethlehem: he had the splendid wax faces of the characters that make up the tradition of the nativity scene modeled, he commissioned the splendid clothes finely decorated and completed the scene with objects characteristic of the Sicilian tradition.
In addition to the typical characters of the nativity, with the Madonna in the unprecedented pose of holding the child in her arms, we note the presence of typical characters of the Acese crib such as "Innaru", the shepherd who warms up in front of the fire and "u marvelighatu da stidda", the shepherd who is entranced by the passage of the comet.
Each statue of the nativity scene represents an artistic masterpiece: each statue is worked in wax and wood and is dressed in typical costumes of the time. The faces of the characters are intensely expressive.
The crib can be visited all year round on booking . During the Christmas period, reservations are required only for groups of more than 20 units.
