Manarola Lighted Nativity Scene
The magic that lights up the Hill of the Three Crosses with the largest Lighted Nativity Scene in the world
The Manarola Lighted Nativity Scene is one of the most iconic traditions in the Cinque Terre. Every December, the Hill of the Three Crosses lights up with a unique installation created in 1961 by Mario Andreoli to honor a promise made to his father.
This installation is more than a Christmas display: it’s a story of dedication, creativity, and deep love for the local territory.
Mario handcrafted more than 300 lighted figures, using recycled materials, electric wires, and a poetic vision capable of transforming an entire hillside into an enchanted landscape. Today, his work continues thanks to the Manarola Nativity Scene Association and a team of volunteers who start in October to clean the terracing, repair the silhouettes, and test kilometers of lights.
The story behind the lights
The Lighted Nativity Scene was never meant to be just a religious tradition. It was a personal act of love. As Eugenio Bordoni, a member of the association, often explains, Mario wanted to shape a dream and share it with the community.
Anyone who looks at those lights today can feel it immediately: there’s still a living soul behind this project. It’s a blend of local memory, popular art, and landscape.
Every year, between December and January, hundreds of visitors stop to admire it. Some come for faith, others for the visual impact. Everyone feels the same emotion: a collective artwork that tells the story of a unique place.
When to see the Manarola Lighted Nativity Scene
Here’s what you need to know if you want to visit:
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Official lighting: December 7th at 5:30 PM
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Fireworks show: during the opening event
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Display period: every evening until mid-January 2026
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Opening hours:
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5:30 PM – 10:00 PM on weekdays
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until midnight on holidays
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Why you should see it at least once
The Manarola Lighted Nativity Scene is an experience where art, community, and landscape come together. It’s a way to rediscover local history and a perfect example of how one person’s passion can become a shared heritage.
Conclusion
The Manarola Lighted Nativity Scene is more than an event: it’s a living tradition that lights up the Hill of the Three Crosses every year. If you’re looking for a unique experience in the Cinque Terre, you shouldn’t miss it.
