Manarola's Illuminated Nativity Scene
Over 250 light figures on the terraces of the Cinque Terre
About Manarola Nativity Scene
The Cinque Terre's Nativity Scene of Light
In Manarola, one of the Cinque Terre and part of the municipality of Riomaggiore in the province of La Spezia, the Illuminated Nativity Scene is one of the most beloved symbols of Ligurian Christmas. On the terraces of the hill overlooking the village, over 250 figures made of thousands of light bulbs come to life, visible from a great distance along the coast.
Mario Andreoli's Work
The nativity scene was born from the brilliant idea of Mario Andreoli, a former railway worker from Manarola who dedicated decades to its creation and maintenance, reusing materials. The president of the Cinque Terre National Park described it as "a unique work of art in the world," a blend of light and spirituality, vines and stones, ingenuity and the culture of reuse.
A Symbol of Ligurian Christmas
The lighting, traditionally on December 8th, marks the beginning of the Christmas season in the Cinque Terre. The lights remain on until mid-January, offering visitors a captivating spectacle that combines the nativity tradition with the UNESCO World Heritage terraced landscape.
Manarola Nativity Scene — edition 2026
For the 2026-2027 season, the Manarola Illuminated Nativity Scene returns to light up, as tradition dictates, on December 8th, remaining illuminated throughout the Christmas period until mid-January. On the hill's terraces, the over 250 light figures of Mario Andreoli's work come alive again, one of the most evocative Christmas spectacles in the Cinque Terre. The exact date of the lighting and related events will be confirmed by the Municipality of Riomaggiore closer to Christmas.
Programme Manarola Nativity Scene 2026
Christmas Season 2026-2027
- December 8 — Lighting ceremony of the nativity scene on the terraces of Manarola
- Illumination of over 250 figures throughout the Christmas period
- Switch-off scheduled for mid-January
Highlights Manarola Nativity Scene 2026
Prices Manarola Nativity Scene 2026
Practical information — Manarola Nativity Scene
How to get there
By train: Manarola station on the Genoa-La Spezia line, stop for the Cinque Terre Express service. Car access to the villages is very limited: train is recommended.
Admission
The nativity scene can be viewed for free from the village and panoramic viewpoints.
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Where does it take place — Manarola Nativity Scene
Manarola, terrazzamenti della collina
Collina delle Tre Croci, Manarola, 19017 Riomaggiore