The bright nativity scene of Manarola
Designed in 1976 by Mario Andreoli, a retired railway worker, the Manarola nativity scene is made with recycled materials from more than 300 life-size figures: Baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, shepherds, fishermen, sheep, dolphins, seagulls, camels, angels, the three Magi... constantly evolving up using 8 km of electric cables and 17,000 light bulbs. In the year of the coronavirus figures of doctors and nurses have been included.
To better enjoy the view of the Manarola nativity scene, it is possible to admire it from the square of the church of San Lorenzo or from Via Rollandi. The best view is along the Via Beccara, an ancient mule track that connects Manarola and Riomaggiore crossing the hill.
But be careful, the path is not illuminated, it is necessary to have a torch because there are 320 steps to get to the top.
