In depth
What it is
The Renaissance living nativity of Urbino is a historical Christmas re-enactment that brings to life the courtyard of the Collegio delle Maestre Pie Venerini, in via Mazzini, in the heart of the historic centre of the city, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Unlike more traditional living nativity scenes, here the Nativity does not follow the usual conventions but is recreated live by reproducing a masterpiece of Renaissance painting, placing the sacred scene in the courtly atmosphere desired by Federico da Montefeltro. The initiative is organised by Ars Urbino Ducale, the historical re-enactment association that also organises the better-known summer Festa del Duca.
What makes it special
What distinguishes this nativity scene from others is its source of inspiration: the scene is not a free invention, but a faithful reconstruction, in architecture and costumes, of the painting L'Adorazione dei Magi by Perugino, a painter who also worked for the court of Urbino. The result, as the organisers describe it, is the impression of stepping inside the painting. The setting is also unusual: not a church or a prepared grotto, but the Renaissance courtyard of the Collegio delle Maestre Pie Venerini, on one of the historic streets of the city. The live performance takes place only on certain specific dates and times, while for the rest of the Christmas period life-size figures remain on display, faithful to the original painting. Along via Mazzini, reproductions of nativity scenes by other masters who worked for Federico da Montefeltro are also displayed, such as Piero della Francesca, Francesco di Giorgio Martini and Pedro Berruguete, creating a widespread route that combines art and tradition.
Origins and history
The Renaissance living nativity was born as an evolution of the Festa del Duca d'inverno, the Christmas appendix to the more famous Festa del Duca, the summer historical re-enactment that Ars Urbino Ducale has organised since 1982 and which the Ministry of Culture recognises among events of national importance. Over the years the association has chosen to give the winter event its own identity, renaming it Presepe vivente rinascimentale and presenting it as a unique event of its kind in Italy for the way it combines theatre, art history and Christmas tradition. In the 2024 edition the nativity scene reached its twelfth edition, confirming the collaboration between the association, the Municipality of Urbino, the Regione Marche and local cultural institutions such as the Galleria Nazionale delle Marche. Available sources do not document precisely who first conceived the transposition from Perugino's painting, nor the exact year of the first edition in this specific form.
What to see
The courtyard of the Maestre Pie Venerini is transformed into a living painting: figures in Renaissance dress, including ladies, nobles, knights, archers and drummers, are joined by craftsmen and musicians who bring to life the Nativity scene as Perugino painted it. On procession days the performance is accompanied by Christmas and Renaissance songs, music with drums and bagpipes and a costumed parade that crosses the historic centre to the courtyard. The Christmas period then continues with the display of life-size figures, which recreate the scene even on days without live performers. The last known edition closed with an evening theatrical performance at the Teatro Sanzio, El Presep, freely inspired by a text by Eduardo De Filippo.
When and how to visit
The Renaissance living nativity is usually held during the Christmas period, from the first days of December until Epiphany or the days immediately following. In the last edition for which there is certain information, the live performance with procession and songs took place on 7, 8 and 14 December 2025 from 5 pm, while the display with figures remained visible for longer in the courtyard of via Mazzini. Admission is free: the organisers themselves describe it as a gift to the city. Before planning a visit for the current edition it is advisable to check the updated dates on the social media channels and website of Ars Urbino Ducale and the Festa del Duca, as the precise calendar is confirmed each year in autumn.
