In depth
What it is
The Presepio sulla Rupe is the artistic nativity scene that is set up every Christmas on the Roccione, the rocky spur that dominates the historic centre of Pennabilli, a village in the Alta Valmarecchia in the province of Rimini. It is the best known among the displays that give Pennabilli the title of city of nativity scenes, and is considered one of the largest nativity scenes in Italy.
What makes it special
The figures of the Nativity, about 4 metres high, stand out on the cliff that overlooks the town and are visible from much of the village and the valley below. By day they are silhouettes emerging from the rock, by night a lighting system transforms them into luminous and silent presences visible even from a distance. The element that most distinguishes this nativity scene from others in the area is precisely its location: not a church, a cave or a square, but a natural rocky outcrop that dominates the rooftops of the historic centre.
Origins and history
The sources consulted, namely the Pro Loco di Pennabilli, the tourist office of the Riviera di Rimini and the local press, report that the nativity scene on the cliff has dominated the town for about 25 years, which would place its first creation around the late 1990s. However, it has not been possible to find online the name of who conceived it, a precisely documented date of birth, nor news of any transformations over the years: on these aspects the available public sources offer no details. What is certain is that today the nativity scene is part of the Natale a Pennabilli, Città dei presepi festival, promoted by the Comune di Pennabilli together with the Pro Loco, which every December brings the village to life with multiple displays.
What to see
On the cliff the statues, about 4 metres high, depict the Holy Family with the ox and the donkey. During the same weeks, in the rest of the village, you can see other nativity scenes: the traditional one at Villa Maindi, the small scenes created by pupils of the Istituto Comprensivo Padre Olivieri and placed in the most evocative corners of the town, an animated artistic nativity scene set up inside the Palazzo Comunale, and, on a date in December, a living nativity scene with Christmas carols through the streets of the centre.
When and how to visit
The nativity scene is set up every year during the Christmas period, traditionally from early December to Epiphany. In the most recent edition it was open from 8 December 2025 to 6 January 2026, every day from 10am to 12pm and from 4pm to 5.30pm, and remains visible illuminated also in the evening and night hours. Admission is free. For information you can contact the Pro Loco di Pennabilli, in piazza Garibaldi, on +39 0541 928659 or by email at prolocopennabilli@gmail.com; the programme of Christmas events is published on the website pennabilliturismo.it. As these are times and dates for a specific edition, it is always advisable to check them before your visit.
