Tre Colli Nativity Scene

A Nativity scene that tells the story of Valgraziosa

The Tre Colli Nativity Scene is one of the most cherished Christmas traditions in Calci, a small town in the province of Pisa nestled at the foot of Monte Pisano, in Tuscany. Set up in the hamlet of Tre Colli inside the Sanctuary of Madonna delle Grazie, this artistic display stands out from many others because it does not aim to reconstruct the Holy Land; instead, it places the Nativity scene directly among the hills of the Valgraziosa, the ancient name for the Calci territory.

The tradition of mills and stone

Each edition of the nativity scene focuses on a theme linked to the history and unique characteristics that have made Calci famous. The scenery features olive-cultivated terraces, millstones extracted from the hard rock of the Verruca, and above all, ancient water mills: during the centuries of the Republic of Pisa, the valley boasted over a hundred mills along its waterways, which were essential for producing high-quality flour. The nativity scene thus becomes a small open-air museum of local rural and artisanal life, where rural simplicity intertwines with the religious story of Christmas.

Who creates it

The nativity scene is the result of the work of local volunteers, supported by the Valgraziosa Pastoral Unit. The display, curated with great attention to detail, is renewed year after year with new settings and scenes that highlight the town's traditions.

The "Terre di Presepi" in Calci

The Tre Colli Nativity Scene is part of the Tuscan "Terre di Presepi" circuit and is one of the three historic nativity scenes that bring the Valgraziosa valley to life during the holidays. Along with it, visitors can admire the "Growing Nativity" in the hamlet of Nicosia and the famous mechanical nativity scenes by the Meucci brothers preserved at the Certosa di Calci. A visit to Calci during the Christmas season offers a true itinerary through nativity art, tradition, and landscape.

When to visit

The nativity scene is generally open from December 8th to January 6th, the day of Epiphany, with daily openings during the peak of the holiday season and on weekends and public holidays in early December. Admission is free, and the visit is suitable for families and children, offering the intimate and evocative atmosphere typical of small Tuscan villages.