Barrea Artistic Nativity Scene

An artistic nativity scene revived annually since 1987

The Barrea Artistic Nativity Scene is a staple of the Christmas calendar in the small town of Barrea, a village perched over a thousand meters high on a rocky spur overlooking the lake of the same name, in the heart of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park, in the province of L'Aquila. Since 1987, the Amici del Presepe di Barrea Association has maintained an unbroken tradition of creating a Nativity display that has made the village a landmark for nativity enthusiasts throughout the Abruzzo region.

Life-sized figures in plaster and jute

What makes this display unique is the choice to create life-sized statues, entirely hand-modeled from plaster and jute. The characters and animals are arranged along a path that guides visitors from the Annunciation to the Nativity, recreating the stages of Jesus' birth. The scenes are embellished with objects and tools from daily life of the past: work implements, household utensils, and traditional furnishings that transform the nativity scene into a true ethnographic record of Abruzzese peasant culture.

The setting of Palazzo Biagio Di Loreto

The exhibition is housed within Palazzo Biagio Di Loreto, a historic building overlooking Piazza Umberto I in the village's historic center. The evocative setting, framed by the snow-capped mountains of the Park, adds charm to an experience that blends art, faith, and popular tradition. The initiative is promoted by the Amici del Presepe Association in collaboration with the Municipality of Barrea and the Borghi Autentici d'Italia network.

Visiting Barrea during the holidays

A visit to the nativity scene fits naturally into a broader exploration of the village of Barrea, one of the most beautiful in Abruzzo, and its lake, which is among the most photographed landscapes in the region. Admission to the exhibition is free, and the display remains open daily throughout the Christmas period, typically from the second half of December until Epiphany. It is a wonderful opportunity to combine the magic of the nativity with the discovery of the nature and flavors of the Abruzzese mountains.