In depth
What it is
"Cristo Luce del mondo" is an artistic nativity scene set up outdoors in Ravenna, in the square of the Battistero Neoniano, at piazza Duomo 1, right in front of the entrance to one of the city's most ancient monuments. It is part of the group of Christmas nativity scenes that enliven Ravenna's historic centre every year, designed to be freely viewed by those strolling among the early Christian and Byzantine monuments that are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
What makes it special
Its main distinctive feature is its location: not inside a church or museum, but in the open air, in the square that leads to one of the oldest baptisteries in Europe, embellished inside with 5th-century mosaics. Being an outdoor installation, it is visible at any time of day or night, and particularly in the evening, with the lighting switched on, the scenic effect is more evocative, in dialogue with the brick facade of the Battistero and the nearby Duomo. The sources consulted do not provide verifiable data on materials, dimensions or number of statues, information which is therefore not given to avoid inaccuracies.
Origins and history
The installation bears the signature of Gianluca Piccolo, who over the years has created several Christmas nativity scenes in Ravenna, including the historic Presepe Napoletano in the city. In the case of the square of the Battistero Neoniano, the work is presented under the auspices of the Curia di Ravenna, a sign of collaboration between the artist and the diocese. The available sources do not precisely document the year of the first installation nor how the display has changed in different editions: it can only be confirmed that it is a recurring appointment of Ravenna's Christmas, included each year in the nativity scene programme published by the Comune di Ravenna.
What you see
The nativity scene tells the story of the Nativity focusing on lighting as a narrative element, in keeping with the title "Cristo Luce del mondo", in an installation designed for a few minutes' pause by those crossing piazza Duomo. Around it, the gaze naturally extends to the Battistero Neoniano, one of Ravenna's oldest buildings, erected in the 5th century on the remains of Roman baths and famous for its mosaic dome depicting the Baptism of Christ, and to the nearby Cattedrale, which during the same period hosts another artistic nativity scene with mechanised figures.
When and how to visit
The nativity scene is part of the Christmas nativity scene programme of the Comune di Ravenna and is set up every year during the festive period, traditionally between early December and Epiphany; in the last documented edition it was visible from 8 December to 7 January. Being an outdoor installation in the public space of the square, it is always visible, with no opening hours and no ticket, with better effect in the evening hours thanks to the lighting. For the current year's edition it is advisable to check the updated dates on the channels of the Comune di Ravenna or the Curia.
