The Cribs of Scicli - nativity scene

During the Christmas period in Scicli an artistic-cultural itinerary is traditionally created through representations of the nativity. On the occasion of the "Scicli nativity scenes" event, the artistic nativity scenes set up in the streets of the city, in churches and private homes, are opened to visitors.

Nativity scene route

Here are the nativity scenes that make up the itinerary:

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

2 - Nativity scene in the Mother Church of San Guglielmo
Artisan nativity scene that can be visited every day from 10:00 to 12: 00 and from 16:00 to 18:00.
Chiesa Madre - Piazza Italia

3 - Nativity scene in the Church of the Madonna del Carmine
Madonna del Carmine Church - Square Busacca

4 - Nativity scene in Santa Maria La Nova Church
The nativity scene is spread over different levels , with the majestic cave at the top, where the nativity scene is located. At the foot of the cave, a crowded scene unfolds with the Three Wise Men and the shepherds bowing to the miracle of birth.
Church of Santa Maria La Nova - Via Santa Maria La Nova
Visitable every day from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 17:00 to 20:00.

5 - Caruso Family Nativity Scene
The Caruso family Nativity scene extends over an area of ​​approximately m2. 20 and includes over 100 statuettes, 18 cm high, created by the Calatino artist Vincenzo Velardita. The background of the nativity scene, inspired year after year by the landscape of Scicli, is made of stone and poor art materials, including earth, moss, sand, soft limestone ashlars, iron, chalk and clay.
Contacts:
+39 3388664991
Via Parini, 5
It is possible to visit the nativity scene from December to October.

6 - Miss Maria Grazia Arrabito nativity scene
This nativity scene began with a few figurines when I was a child , in looking at him, I already felt an arcane music inside me that I still carry in my heart. When I became an adult I thought about renewing the figurines and I started going to Caltagirone in December, during the period of the Immaculate Conception, and I was fascinated by the figurines of the ceramist Velardita. In fact, I began to commission more than half of the figurines of my nativity scene which were made to order (the old woman spinning wool, the woman at the well, etc.) so year after year I enriched it more and more. A nativity scene that has acquired great value for its figurines and sentimental value, in fact it remains fixed throughout the year in my living room.
Contacts:
+39 3477422656
Via Nazionale, 53
Reservation obligation. School groups 10:00 - 13:00. Families and tourists: 4.00pm - 8.00pm.

7 - Nativity scene in the Cento Scale Cave
The Nativity scene in the Cento Scale Cave, enriched over the years by terracotta statuettes from Caltagirone, offers an interesting underground route entirely dug into the rock. During the year it is a destination for numerous visitors.Contacts:
+39 3477422656
+39 3288627704
Via Dolomiti
Can be visited by reservation. Entrance fee

8 - Chiafura Group Nativity Scene
The Chiarafura nativity scene, created by a group of friends in memory of Valerio Ferro, who passed away prematurely, and his great passion for nativity scenes, is set in the evocative Chiafura rock district of Scicli. The scenario is created with the papier-mâché technique associated with painting. The statues, 15 to 22 cm high, are approximately 50 and were created in Caltagirone.
Contacts:
+39 3661258268
Via Tasca, 11 - 13
Can be visited on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays (8, 25, 26 December and 6 January) only in the afternoon, from 6.00 pm to 10pm. Groups who want to visit even during the week, morning or afternoon, must be booked. Entrance with free donation.

9 - “A Rutta Ri Ron Carmelu” Cave Museum
The “A Rutta Ri Ron” nativity scene Carmelu”, located inside the cave where a museum, it was entirely built by Mr. Raimondo and son, and consists of approximately 35 figurines from Caltagirone, 20 cm high. The peculiarity of the nativity scene is its location in the stable, the scenario depicts the Chiafura Park with the various caves that compose it and which deserves a guided tour.
Contacts:
+39 3290695483
Via Timponello, 37
Can be visited every day by reservation. Entrance fee.

10 - Sammito Family Nativity Scene
The nativity scene has been set up since 2019 when Giuseppe's wife, for Christmas, gives him a nativity scene signed by the Master Ceramist Vincenzo Velardita. From that moment Giuseppe, thanks to his great passion and craftsmanship, creates new screenplays and new settings full of small and particular details every year.
Contacts:
+39 3470545826
Via Tevere, 36
Can be visited upon reservation.

The above times are subject to change. Almost all Nativity scenes can be visited all year round by contacting the contact persons.

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