In Search of the Neapolitan Presepe

It’s that time of year again when I go in search of the Neapolitan Creche and the Art of the Presepio. An age old tradition, already, scores of Neapolitan Presepe collections have been erected and are on display all over the city. From the traditional to the contemporary, the sacred to the profane, inanimate to living, and life-sized to micro miniatures, these Nativity scenes will make their appearance at churches and schools, museums and galleries, shops and markets, and nearly every apartment in Naples. In fact, there are so many presepi in the city, that finding them has become an annual tradition.

The hunt always starts where so many of the presepi do, Naples Christmas Alley, Via San Gregorio Armeno, home to many of the artisans that craft the presepi. From there, I revisit the city’s Permanent Collections, and then… the adventure begins.

Below, is the published list of Seasonal Presepe Exhibits for Christmas 2012 as well as Other Places to Look for Presepe Exhibits In and Around Naples.

Don’t see your favourites on the list? Share the locations, details and pictures of your favourite presepe exhibits with us on Facebook and we’ll add them to the list.

Happy Hunting!

Seasonal Presepe Exhibits, Christmas in Naples 2012

Other Places to look for Presepe Exhibits In and Around Naples

In Chiaia

Chiesa dell’Ascensione
Piazzetta Ascensione, 15

Chiesa San Pasquale a Chiaia
Piazza San Pasquale a Chiaia

Chiesa Santa Caterina a Chiaia
Via Santa Caterina, 76

Chiesa Santa Maria in Portico
Via Santa Maria in Portico, 17

In Centro Storico

Chiesa Gesù Nuovo
Piazza Gesù Nuovo

Chiesa Gesù Vecchio
Via Giovanni Paladino, 38

Chiesa di Santa Marta
Corner of Via San Sebastiano and Via Benedetto Croce

San Paolo Maggiore
Piazza San Gaetano, 76

Around Municipio and the City Centre

Chiesa di Santa Brigida
Via Santa Brigida, 1

Chiesa Sant’Anna dei Lombardi
Piazza Monteoliveto, 4

In Fuorigrotta

Chiesa San Giuseppe Calasanzio
Via delle Scuole Pie, 2