Now in its 13th edition, the “City of Stones” – the “Second Jerusalem” – is holding one of the most evocative Christmas events in Italy: the Living Nativity Scene in Matera.

The dates of this edition are 8, 9, 10, 16, 17, 29, 30 December, and then 5, 6 January 2024.

An engaging 4 km route that starts from the historic center and crosses the Sasso Barisano and the Sasso Caveoso. An event that includes over 200 actors and historical re-enactors from all over Italy. You will encounter scenes of the Roman Empire, Castrum, the Gladiator School, the Domus, and the Judea of 2,000 years ago. The culmination will be the birth of Jesus. The entire route will be illuminated with video mapping and various plays of light and 3D projections which will make the experience even more moving.

Tickets: adults 11 euros; children aged 6 to 10 years 5 euros; children under 5 years old, free.

For more details and to purchase tickets, visit the official website at Presepe di Matera.

Continue reading about Matera in these articles: Matera’s Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso and Matera: Beyond the Stones