Via San Gregorio Armeno, in the heart of Naples' old town, is often called the street of nativity workshops. Lining the narrow pedestrian street are artisan workshops making nativity scenes (presepi in Italian) and terra cotta figures. Tiny shops sell Christmas crib figurines and souvenirs, ranging from very high quality to inexpensive.
Presepe, or nativity scenes, are an important part of Christmas in Italy and are often very elaborate, including more than just the basic Christmas crib. Via San Gregorio Armeno is one of the best places to buy nativities and figures for them.
These are some shots from when I visited the street this fall:
These guys were roasting chestnuts at the base of the street. When you turned and looked the other way you saw a narrow street lined with shops.
(sorry for the crappy exposure, while it wasn't sunny there clearly was too much light in the centre - sigh)
We enjoyed walking up and down the street admiring the work.
This artwork doesn't come cheap!! I can only imagine what the figures and presepi pictured above would cost. The presepi scene we bought home from Fulvio Forte (the shop recommended as one of the best by our guide) was more modest to be sure . . .
Which one did you bring back... you've left me wondering!
Posted by: sandi @the whistlestop cafe | December 27, 2011 at 07:36 PM
Sandi - ours are the three simple figures at the bottom. My plan is to go back this summer on a day trip and buy some more pieces. I predict may trips to Naples to expand the collection.
Posted by: JDeQ | December 28, 2011 at 07:47 AM