The Mystery of the Nativity – Living Nativity Scene

A living nativity scene in the heart of Tuscia

In Montefiascone, in the province of Viterbo, the Christmas season features an event the community looks forward to all year: The Mystery of the Nativity, a living nativity scene organized by the Amici del Colle Association with the patronage of the Municipality of Montefiascone. This is not a mere static display, but an immersive journey through the most evocative spots on the hill, with about 150 costumed performers bringing to life the scenes of Jesus' birth and the daily routines of a village from two thousand years ago.

From the Rocca dei Papi to the Bishop's Palace gardens

The tenth edition marked a major turning point: the nativity scene moved to the Bishop's Palace gardens, a space that had long been inaccessible and was returned to the public thanks to this event. The route begins at the former wine shop, where the ticket office is located, continues toward the Rocca dei Papi—the fortress overlooking Lake Bolsena that hosts the Annunciation scene—before entering the heart of the nativity in the Bishop's gardens and concluding with a visit to the former papal prisons.

Scenes and characters

Along the path, you will encounter the journey of Joseph and Mary, Herod's palace with his court, scenes of daily life, the bazaar, workshops of ancient crafts, and finally the Nativity grotto. There is no shortage of animals—sheep, horses, and donkeys—that help make the atmosphere credible and engaging, especially for children. The setup is curated by the Amici del Colle together with the I Burloni theater company and dozens of volunteers, residents, and local associations: it is this collective effort that makes the difference compared to many similar representations.

The flavors of Tuscia along the way

One of the most appreciated features of The Mystery of the Nativity is the blend of religious storytelling and the promotion of local food and wine. The entrance ticket includes seven tastings of local products distributed at various stops: the Est! Est!! Est!!! wine of Montefiascone, one of the most famous white wines of Lazio linked to the legend of Bishop Defuk, local cheeses, and extra virgin olive oil from the Viterbo Tuscia region. It is a clever way to introduce visitors to the excellence of this corner of northern Lazio.

Montefiascone, the balcony over Lake Bolsena

The village stands on a volcanic hill that offers one of the widest views in the region: from here, the gaze embraces the entire Lake Bolsena, the largest volcanic lake in Europe. The historic center preserves the Rocca dei Papi, a papal residence in the Middle Ages, the Basilica of San Flaviano with its frescoes, and the Cathedral of Santa Margherita, topped by one of the largest domes in Italy. Visiting the living nativity scene in winter means discovering the village in an intimate, illuminated, and quiet guise, very different from the summer tourist season.

Why it's worth the trip

• A theatrical journey through historic sites normally closed to the public
• About 150 costumed performers and animals along the route
• Seven tastings of local products included in the ticket
• Affordable price and free admission for young children
• An opportunity to combine a visit to the village with the panorama over Lake Bolsena