It is one of the best known places in the world, it is the place where the magic of Christmas releases all its emotion, we are in San Gregorio Armeno, in the heart of Naples. In this "village" the workshops of the artisans shape a small living postcard, which transports, almost like a space machine, until the dawn of time. A sort of journey between the most refined culture of our beautiful country and fantasy. The shepherds, the most important characters of the nativity scene, the comet, in San Gregorio Armeno the statuettes come to life and open the path of dreams. The journey into the world of cribs begins. Good vision.
The road of Neapolitan cribs
It is the end of the eighteenth century that decrees this primacy for the road of magic, that of becoming the village par excellence of the shops dedicated to crib Neapolitan. In reality this tradition is very old, dating back to several centuries earlier. In this territory there was a temple in honor of Ceres, which welcomed thousands of citizens, coming from all over the present Campania and beyond. The deity was offered small figurines entirely made of terracotta. In this earthly paradise, religion, mystery, fantasy, and above all Neapolitan genius exude from every stone, every portico and every meander. The real propulsive thrust for this all-Neapolitan architecture was born from the temple dedicated to Ceres.
The historic Church of San Gregorio Armeno
Buildings from different eras create and shape this breathtaking location. Surely the Church of San Gregorio Armeno, founded around 930, represents the leitmotif of the architecture present in San Gregorio. Only in 1200 the Church was dedicated to the saint. The Church of San Gennaro dell'Olmo is also a place to visit, especially for the style of construction. Surely the bell tower of the Church of San Gregorio, which overlooks the road, is a sort of link between the church and the monastery dedicated to the famous saint. The tolls of time are marked in this surreal atmosphere, where Neapolitan art releases all its strength and determination.
The statuette of Pulcinella
In addition to the well-known characters of the nativity scene, the best-known statuette of St. Gregory of Armenus is the one dedicated to Pulcinella. The character par excellence of the commedia dell'arte resists time. Invented by the actor Fiorillo in the early months of the seventeenth century, this mask holds a record: that of being the most sought after character for the nativity scene. Obviously this 2020 has decreed a substantial blockade for the entire local economy. The cry of alarm came from the various associations dedicated to these shops. A treasure to be defended, because it holds the true driving force of our country. San Gregorio Armeno is a treasure trove of talents, art, architecture and multifaceted creativity.
The way of the cribs on television
This fairy-tale street is featured in documentaries, television reports, advertisements and even in two animated films. The lucky location was filmed in the animated film Opopomoz and for the short film The Wholly Family. The fairy tale continues ...
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