Underwater nativity scene on display in Italy

posted: Tuesday 22 December 2009 by Alison in: Lombardy Art/design Festivals

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Some of Italy’s most beautiful nativity scenes can be found in Varese, which displays what are true works of art specific to the Christmas season and story of the birth of Jesus. The nativity scenes are among some of the most impressive northern Italy has to offer.

The town of Varese is hosting the traditional nativity scene in the Baptistery next to the San Vittore church, with some statues up to 30 centimetres high and designed in a life-like way. Until the 6th of January, or the Epiphany, you can enjoy the “Presepe Sommerso” or submerged nativity scene at Laveno Mombello.

This particular historic Italian nativity scene came about in 1979 on Christmas Eve, after the baptism and procession of a statue of Jesus. The Laveno nativity scene is truly unique: made from five steel platforms, it supports 42 statues at near life-size height, that are illuminated under water. Nearly 90,000 visitors come every year to admire it.

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