Get immersed into the Christmas spirit by following the Monaco Nativity Trail

Unique hand-made nativity scenes from five continents

We invite you to discover a beautiful selection of hand-made nativity scenes from around the world, inaugurated on Saturday December 8, and exposed until Tuesday, January 8, 2019 in Monaco Ville. A leaflet is available at the Tourism Office on 2a, Boulevard des Moulins in Monte-Carlo, at the entrance of the trail, at the bottom of the Major Ramp, and on the side of the Christmas chalets in the port.

The nativity scenes are displayed in custom made chalets and in certain buildings around the Principality. Follow the 11 stages of the 1-hour long trail, starting in the bottom of the Major Ramp and Monaco-Ville, and admire the variety and beauty of fifty nativity scenes, coming from private collections originating from five continents.,along with the heritage of the legendary Rock of Monaco, with its typical narrow streets, sumptuous architecture and the splendid Palace, home to the Sovereign Princes of Monaco since the Middle Ages.

Nativity scene, 2018 @Chemin des Creches, Monaco

Authentic infantry godillot from 1914, Monaco 2018 @Chemin des Crèches

Nativity scene from Portugal, 2018 @Chemin des Creches Monaco

Nativity scene, 2018 (1) @Chemin des creches, Monaco

Additionally, the Nativity Trail pursues throughout the village with models exhibited in several points, such as SBM Hotels, Condamine Market, Christmas Market, the Tourism Office, and the Princess Grace Hospital.

The Nativity Trail, or Chemin des Creches, was founded in 2014 in the Rock of Monaco, thanks to the initiative of Fabienne Mourou, to contribute to the spirit of Christmas to convey the culture and values of the nativity from all the continents. We discover the variety and beauty of the crèches

First live nativity credited to Saint Francis of Assisi

Nativity scene, also known as manger scene, crib, crèche, or in Italian presepio, is the special exhibition, particularly during the Christmas season, of art objects representing the birth of Jesus, either using model figures, representing the infant Jesus, his mother, Mary, and her husband, Joseph, in a special setting, sometimes accompanied by shepherds, sheep, and angels near the manger or in a barn or cave.

Some reenactments are called “living nativity scenes” in which humans and animals participate. Saint Francis of Assisi is credited with creating the first live nativity scene in 1223 in order to foster the worship of Christ. He was inspired by his visit to the Holy Land. The scene’s popularity motivated communities through Catholic countries to stage similar pantomimes.