Mechanical nativity scene set in the Lanzo Valleys.

The ‘Presepe sotto la neve’ (Nativity scene under the snow) in the Church of San Giuseppe in Ciriè is a characteristic representation of the nativity of Jesus set in the context of the typical alpine villages and mountain pastures of the Lanzo Valleys, covered with a soft blanket of snow and covering an area of over 80 square metres.

The model depicts scenes of local life, with many animated characters engaged in ancient and typical crafts that are no longer practised.

Light effects recreate the alternation of day and night, dawn and dusk: the moon, the comet and the other stars in the sky slowly give way to heavy snowfall.

The “Presepe sotto la neve” is one of the largest in Piedmont and has been described as one of the most characteristic in Italy.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)