For the second consecutive year, the Church of San Nicola in Pistaso, Located in via San Biagio dei Librai, 82, houses an impressive work of art and devotion: the Easter nativity scene.
From 1 ° April 2025, in the year of Jubilee, visitors and pilgrims arriving in Naples will be able to admire this extraordinary representation of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Christ, fruit of the talent of the artisans Salvatore Iasevoli and Mario Capuano, with the contribution of the famous Neapolitan nativity scene art workshops.
The work, created according to the canons of the eighteenth-century Neapolitan nativity scene, is enriched this year with new scenes taken from the Gospels, set in a setting inspired by the urban and rural landscapes of the Kingdom of Naples between the 18th and 19th centuries. The Easter nativity scene, also known as “Tomb of Characters”, has its roots in the 15th century and is linked to the tradition of the Sacred Mountains of Northern Italy, recognized as UNESCO heritage, and to the famous “Lamentations over the Dead Christ”, spread in the same period.
The route winds through eighteen scenes, From Escape to Egypt to the Resurrection of Christ, including significant episodes such as the Baptism of Jesus, Expulsion of the Merchants from the Temple, Miracle of the Blind Man and the suggestive Last Supper. Particularly touching is the representation of the Jesus' falls under the Cross, which guides visitors along a Circular Via Crucis, culminating in the dramatic Crucifixion and in the triumph of the Resurrection.
To enrich the experience, an original activity for the little ones: the children are asked to identify a character “out of context” in exchange for a small prize, making the visit also a moment of learning and fun. In addition to the nativity scene, visitors will be able to discover the exhibition “The Treasures of San Nicola in Pistaso”, which exhibits ancient furnishings and unpublished documents of theArchconfraternity of Porters and Chairmen, dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel in Pistasi.
This precious historical heritage is housed in a church with a troubled past: closed to worship approximately 70 years ago and walled up, it was almost forgotten until the recent reopening, made possible thanks to theBourbon Miracle Association andAssociation I Sedili di Napoli ETS, who take care of its restoration.
Until the 30th April, the church also hosts “Christ 2611”, an imposing canvas by the artist Lucio DDT ArtThe work, depicting a post-modern crucifixion, fits perfectly into the exhibition context, offering a powerful food for thought on hope and salvation.
La Church of San Nicola in Pistaso it's open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10: 30 to 13: 00 and by 15: 30 to 18: 00Any changes to the timetable can be found on the website www.isedilidinapoli.it and on the Facebook pages ofAssociation I Sedili di Napoli. An unmissable opportunity to immerse yourself in a Naples suspended between art, history and spirituality, rediscovering ancient traditions that continue to excite and fascinate.
Article published on March 31, 2025 - 18pm
The article is well written, but there are some information that I think are not clear. I did not know that the Easter nativity scene had so many scenes and meaning. I would also like to see the activities for children.
This work of art and devotion in Naples is truly interesting, the Easter nativity scene brings a tradition that has always thrilled visitors. I hope to see it before the end of April.
The representation of the Passion and Resurrection of Christ in this church is very beautiful, I am curious about the new scenes from the Gospel, I think they could be very significant.