In depth
What it is
"La Natività" is an artistic Neapolitan nativity scene in eighteenth-century style, set up every year in the premises of Banca Nazionale del Lavoro (BNL) at piazza del Popolo 23, in the heart of Ravenna. It is the work of craftsman and nativity scene maker Ciro Aurilia and is presented for charitable purposes, with visitors' donations going to Telethon, the television marathon for fundraising in support of research into genetic diseases.
What makes it special
The nativity scene faithfully follows the classical tradition of the eighteenth-century Neapolitan presepe. The shepherds have an internal frame made of spiral-twisted iron wire, whilst faces, hands and feet are modelled in polychrome terracotta and dressed in period fabric clothing, hand-sewn and draped with great attention to detail. The scenery recreates the classic Neapolitan setting, with the Nativity grotto at the centre and glimpses of eighteenth-century daily life among ruins, workshops and taverns. What also makes it special is its unusual location: not a church or museum, but the premises of a bank in the historic centre of Ravenna, opened to the public especially for the Christmas season.
Origins and history
The creator, Ciro Aurilia, is a Neapolitan craftsman who has lived in Ravenna for about forty years and has been making eighteenth-century Neapolitan-style nativity scenes in the Romagna city for over thirty years. His passion began as a child in Naples, when he built his first nativity scenes on wooden crates brought home by his father, a fruit seller. For many years Aurilia has dedicated his exhibitions to charity and has worked with Telethon, setting up the nativity scene in the BNL premises in piazza del Popolo during the December television marathon. Over the years the display has changed title and setting several times; past editions include "Lo scoglio" and "Insieme per Telethon", whilst remaining faithful to the same technique and the same charitable purpose. Aurilia also creates other nativity scenes in the city, including one in the church of San Biagio and a permanent one donated to the hospital Santa Maria delle Croci.
What to see
Visitors will find a nativity scene in the classic Neapolitan style, with the Nativity grotto, shepherds and the Three Kings, together with a rich array of supporting figures populating scenes of popular life: innkeepers, fishermen, vendors, musicians and farmyard animals, set among rocks, architectural ruins and tavern scenes, following the typical iconography of the eighteenth-century Neapolitan presepe. The figures are crafted down to the smallest detail, from facial expressions to fabric clothing, and recreate the warm, popular atmosphere of the Neapolitan tradition in an unexpected corner of central Ravenna.
When and how to visit
The nativity scene is set up every year during the Christmas period, usually from mid-December to the end of January, in the BNL premises at piazza del Popolo 23 in Ravenna. In the most recent edition it was on display from 16 December to 31 January, on weekdays, with opening hours from 9am to 12pm and from 2.30pm to 4pm. Admission is free; as this is an initiative in aid of Telethon, visitors are invited to leave a voluntary donation to support research into genetic diseases. It is advisable to check updated times and dates with the tourist offices of the Comune di Ravenna before visiting, as these may vary from year to year.
