2015-12-26 12:41:00

A Christmas crib or presepe in the heart of Rome


(Vatican Radio) As you'll recall Pope Francis on 'Gaudete' Sunday blessed the so called 'bambinelli', figurines of all shapes and sizes, depicting Baby Jesus, children in Rome had brought with them to Saitn Peter's Square for the occasion. Figurines they placed in their crib at home on Christmas eve

Listen to Professor of Fine Arts Breda Ennis in  a programme for the series' Art on the Air: the artistic secrets of sacred Rome' produced by Veronica Scarisbrick:

The Christmas crib or 'presepe ', as it's known in Italy, is extremely popular across the nation and often takes pride of place in family homes and of course in churches. Among these there's one in the heart of Rome, hidden away in the Church of Santa Maria in Via, which has all the elements of the Neapolitan crib. But says our Professor of Fine Arts Breda Ennis despite the presence of temples, pizza makers and market scenes nothing ever overshadows the central scene.

 








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