Tuscan Valtiberina, land of nativity scenes

In Sansepolcro, in the Church of Santa Marta, it is possible to visit “The Great Nativity Scene” of the Società Rionale di Porta Romana. The theme for 2026 is “Scenic Geometries Welcome the Nativity.” The manger scene can be visited daily until January 11, from 9:00 am to 7:30 pm.

Also in Sansepolcro, the Church of Santa Maria dei Servi is hosting the 6ᵗʰ Nativity Art Exhibition, with some 150 Nativity Scenes created by local associations. The exhibition is open from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 7:30 pm.
On Christmas Eve, the exhibition closes at 6:00 pm, while on Christmas Day, it can be visited only in the afternoon, from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

One of the most anticipated moments comes to life in the hamlet of Gricignano: the Live Nativity, a 985-foot or 300-meter route with 30 stations manned by 100 figures and animals, where ancient crafts are revived.
Performances take place from December 26 and 28 plus January 1 and 4, from 5:15 pm to 7:30 pm.

In Anghiari, Piazza Mameli becomes the evocative setting for the Nativity of Saint Francis, a re-enactment of the famous Greccio Nativity on the occasion of its 800ᵗʰ anniversary.
In a completely 13ᵗʰ-century setting, the audience is directly involved in the narrative, becoming part of the scene.
The event is scheduled for December 26 and 28 at 5:30 pm.

Particularly fascinating is the Live Nativity in Le Ville of Monterchi, organized by the Associazione Venite Adoremus.
The 0.6-mile or 1-kilometer route is illuminated by lights and lanterns, counting 57 scenes animated by more than 250 characters. An immersive experience, this is considered among the most impressive live nativity scenes in Italy.
Performances take place on December 26 and 28 plus January 1, 4 and 6, from 5:15 pm to 8:00 pm.

The Christmas season concludes with the Coming of the Three Wise Men in Sansepolcro, run by the Associazione Alla Corte de’ Medici, taking place at 4:30 pm on January 6. It involves a lavish Renaissance procession through the main streets of the city center, followed by the Three Wise Men on horseback, in an evocative interweaving of history, faith and tradition.