Floating Nativity Scene of the Saviolina in Riccione

In depth

What it is

The floating nativity scene of the Saviolina is one of the most beloved images of Christmas in Riccione: every year the statues of the Nativity are set up on the deck of the Saviolina, a historic boat moored at the canal port of Riccione, near the bridge on viale Dante. This is not a church or a grotto, but a real boat, protected as a historic asset, which for the festive season transforms into a scenery on the water, freely visible to those strolling along the port banks.

What makes it special

What distinguishes this nativity scene from so many others is precisely the setting: the Nativity does not rise in a papier-mâché grotto or in a church, but on the deck of a vintage boat that still floats in the canal port. The lights of the scene reflect on the water, while the sails of the Saviolina become part of the scenery. The nativity scene shares the view with the large illuminated Christmas tree on the nearby bridge on viale Dante, in a single luminous route along the port. The boat on which it is set up is not just any element: since 1998 it has been recognised by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage as a vessel of particular historical and artistic interest, which makes this nativity scene probably unique in Italy for its support. Entry is free and viewing is possible both during the day and in the evening, when the lighting makes the scene more evocative.

Origins and history

To understand this nativity scene one must know the history of the boat that hosts it. The Saviolina was born in 1928 in the shipyards of Gabicce, where it was launched as a fishing boat with the name Nino Bixio, built for the Michelini brothers, fishermen known by the family nickname Muròt. In 1958 the boat was purchased by Severo Savioli, a historic hotelier from Riccione, who transformed it into a pleasure boat for guests of the hotel Savioli Spiaggia: hence the new name, Saviolina, with which during the years of the economic boom it hosted famous figures from the world of sport and cinema. In 1994 the Savioli family donated the boat to the Municipality of Riccione, which entrusted its management to the Club Nautico Riccione; since 1998 the boat has been subject to historical and artistic protection. However, the year in which the custom of setting up the Nativity on its deck began is not precisely documented in the available sources: what is certain is that today it is a well-established tradition cherished by the city, renewed every December with the blessing of the Bishop of Rimini.

What you see

Along the deck of the Saviolina the statues of the Nativity are placed, framed by the boat's sails and illuminated by warm lights that in the evening reflect on the waters of the canal port. Walking along the banks, the gaze naturally shifts from the decorated boat to the large Christmas tree that lights up on the bridge on viale Dante, right next to it: the two elements, the Nativity on the water and the tree on the bridge, together form one of the most photographed views of Christmas in Riccione, part of the city's broader programme of Christmas initiatives dedicated to the sea.

When and how to visit

The nativity scene is set up every year for the entire Christmas period, generally from the first days of December to Epiphany. In the most recent edition the Nativity was inaugurated with the traditional blessing on 8 December at 5 pm, remaining visible until 6 January. Visiting is always free, simply by walking along the banks of the canal port, without the need for a ticket or reservation: you do not board the boat, which remains moored and illuminated even at night. Since dates may vary slightly from one edition to another, for updated information it is advisable to check the events calendar of the Municipality of Riccione or contact the tourist office IAT before planning your visit.