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International Nativity Museum in Greccio: 800 years of the Nativity Scene in a medieval church
A short distance from the historic centre of Greccio, the International Nativity Scene Museum (or International Crib Museum) is housed within the 13th-century Church of Santa Maria and an adjacent rural building. Traces of the original frescoes can still be seen on the church walls. The museum reopened in December 2025 with expanded spaces and a new exhibition layout.
Inside the museum
Overlooking the Holy Valley of Rieti (Valle Santa Reatina), the museum preserves and promotes the Franciscan heritage, emphasizing the central religious significance of the nativity scene. The collection brings together examples from around the world: sculptures, installations, and artistic craftsmanship from renowned Italian and European schools. Each nativity scene interprets the event using different materials and styles: carved wood, terracotta (or earthenware), paper, and metal.
A unique detail
Greccio has been twinned with Bethlehem since 1992. During the Christmas season, for every ticket sold, the Municipality donates one euro to the City of Bethlehem. This symbolic gesture renews the bond every year between the place where the nativity tradition began and the city that preserves its original memory.
