In depth
What it is
La Pineta dei Presepi is an open-air trail winding through the pine forest of Loiano, in the Bolognese Apennines, dotted with over 300 nativity scenes created by local residents and associations. It is not a single nativity scene to be admired at one spot, but a genuine itinerary among the trees, designed for a peaceful walk between folk art and nature. The trail is part of the Bologna Montana Art Trail hiking network and is open all year round, although it comes alive with lights and festive atmosphere during the Christmas period.
What makes it special
The number of works is the most striking feature: more than 300 nativity scenes, no two alike, born from the imagination of families, groups and local associations. Many are built with reclaimed and recycled materials, transforming wood, fabrics, plastic and everyday objects into small Nativity scenes. What also makes it unique is the setting: the works are not gathered in a hall or church, but scattered along a woodland path, among the pine trees, so that the visit becomes a progressive discovery, nativity scene after nativity scene. The trail is also alive and continuously growing, as new artistic installations are added year after year by the residents themselves.
Origins and history
La Pineta dei Presepi was conceived by the Municipality of Loiano together with the local section of the Istituto Ramazzini, in collaboration with the associations Viva il Verde, ANSPI and the Proloco. The stated aim of the promoters is to enhance the natural and artistic heritage of the area, promoting conscious and balanced tourism and shared actions of civic participation among the inhabitants. The trail was inaugurated on Sunday 7 December 2025, with a gathering in via Pozzi and the blessing of the path, followed by a walk among the illuminated nativity scenes and a convivial moment in Piazza della Chiesa. Available sources do not document editions prior to this date, nor do they provide further details on the birth of the idea.
What to see
Walking through the pine forest, one encounters, one after another, nativity scenes of every size and technique: from small handcrafted compositions to more elaborate installations, often built with recycled materials recovered by residents and associations. The path is short, with a slight uphill gradient, but accessible to everyone, adults and children. During the festive period the trail becomes even more lively with craft markets, local products, sweets and mulled wine, and with evening illumination of the nativity scenes, which accompanies walks between the pine forest and the town centre.
When and how to visit
The trail through the pine forest can be visited all year round, freely and without a ticket. In the most recent edition, inaugurated on 7 December 2025, the Christmas display remained visible until Epiphany, 6 January 2026, with markets and evening illumination during the holidays; these dates apply to the edition just past and should not be considered certain for subsequent years. For information you can write to the email address lapinetadeipresepi@libero.it or contact the Municipality of Loiano.
