The Cribs of Scicli - nativity scene

During the Christmas period in Scicli the event "I Presepi di Scicli", "The Cribs of Scicli", takes place. It is an artistic-cultural itinerary through the representations of the nativity. On the occasion of the event "I presepi di Scicli" the artistic cribs set up in the streets of the city, in churches and in private homes, are open to external visitors. Here are the main sites that make up the itinerary:

Nativity scene of the Church of San Bartolomeo
Church of San Bartolomeo - Via San Bartolomeo
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The crib of the Church of San Bartolomeo is a wooden crib considered among the oldest cribs in Sicily. According to local historians, the commission for the realization of the crib was given in 1570, with subsequent commissions, the last of which in 1773.
The statues of the crib are made of lime wood and have a height of 70 centimeters. Initially there were 65, today as a result of theft and deterioration there remain 29. The background of the crib recalls the side of the hill of San Matteo with its caves distributed along the bends of rocky hills. The Holy Family is placed in front of the temple ruins, symbol of the victory of Christianity over paganism.

Chiafura Nativity
Via Tasca n ° 11/13
+39 3661258268
The Chiarafura nativity scene, created by a group of friends in memory of Valerio Ferro, who died prematurely , and his great passion for nativity scenes, is set in the suggestive Chiafura rupestrian district of Scicli. The scenario is made with the papier-mâché technique associated with painting. The statues, from 15 to 22 cm high, are about 50 and were made in Caltagirone.
It can be visited only in the afternoon, from 18.00 to 21.00, on weekdays and from 18.00 to 10.00 pm, on holidays - Morning by appointment only.

Caruso Family Nativity
Via Parini n. 5
+39 3388664991
The Nativity scene of the Caruso family covers an area of ​​approx. 20 and includes over 100 statuettes, 18 cm high, made by the Calatine artist Vincenzo Velardita. The background of the crib, inspired from year to year by the landscape of Scicli, is made of stone and poor art material, including earth, moss, sand, soft limestone ashlars, iron, plaster and clay. It is possible to visit the nativity scene for free from December to October.

Artistic Nativity in the cave of Carmelo
Via Guadagna n. 31
+39 0932931774
The nativity scene in the cave of Carmelo is characterized by the fact that every single character was made by hand using exclusively locally sourced clay. Scenes of everyday life are depicted with popular characters alongside the classic episodes of the birth of Jesus.

Piedigrotta Rock Church Nativity
Via Piedigrotta Club UNESCO
+ 39 3342219722
The Nativity Scene of the Rock Church of Piedigrotta, created by the San Bartolomeo Association with the collaboration of a group of artisans of the neighborhood, consists of 20 terracotta figurines of Caltagirone and each year enriched by new figurines of the same workmanship donated by devotees of the neighborhood.

“A Rutta Ri Ron Carmelu” Cave Museum
Via Timponello n. 37
+ 39 3290695483
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The nativity scene of "A Rutta Ri Ron Carmelu", located inside the cave, was entirely built by Mr. Raimondo and his son, and is made up of about 35 Caltagirone figurines, 20 cm high. The peculiarity of the crib is its location in the stable, the scenery depicts the Chiafura Park with the various caves that compose it and which deserves a guided tour.

Nativity scene in the Cave of the Hundred Stairs
Via Dolomiti - Cava S. M. La Nova
+39 3474746474
The Nativity of the Grotta delle Cento Scale, enriched over the years by Caltagirone terracotta statuettes, offers an interesting underground path entirely dug into the rock. During the year it is the destination of many visitors.

Opening hours of the Nativity Scenes
Weekdays: 10.00 - 13.00; 16.00 - 19.00.
Saturdays and holidays: 10.00 - 13.00; 15.00 - 21.00.
The aforementioned times may vary. Almost all Nativity scenes can be visited all year long by contacting the Contact persons by telephone and/or via social networks.

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