Presepe Luminoso di Manarola
Over 250 figures of light on the terraces of Cinque Terre
About Presepe di Manarola
The light nativity scene of Cinque Terre
In Manarola, one of the Cinque Terre and part of the municipality of Riomaggiore in the province of La Spezia, the Presepe Luminoso (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 bulbs come to life, visible from a great distance along the coast.
The work of Mario Andreoli
The nativity scene stems from the inspired idea of Mario Andreoli, a former railway worker from Manarola who dedicated decades to its creation and maintenance, recovering and 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 Cinque Terre. The lights remain on until mid-January, offering visitors a magical spectacle that combines the nativity tradition with the UNESCO World Heritage terraced landscape.
Presepe di Manarola — edition 2026
For the 2026-2027 season, the Presepe Luminoso di Manarola 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 figures of light from Mario Andreoli's work come alive again, one of the most evocative Christmas spectacles in Cinque Terre. The exact date of the lighting and related events will be confirmed by the Municipality of Riomaggiore closer to Christmas.
Programme Presepe di Manarola 2026
Christmas Season 2026-2027
- December 8th — 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 Presepe di Manarola 2026
Prices Presepe di Manarola 2026
Practical information — Presepe di Manarola
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 — Presepe di Manarola
Manarola, terrazzamenti della collina
Collina delle Tre Croci, Manarola, 19017 Riomaggiore