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ROME, ITALY - 9 DECEMBER 2016: The nativity scene by Italian architect and sculptor Arnolfo di Cambio (1240-1300 AD), is seen here in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, Italy, on December 9th 2016.

Arnolfo Di Cambio's nativity scene is the first one sculpted in history. It was commissioned by Nicolas IV, the first Franciscan Pontiff, probably inspired by Saint Frances who set up in Greccio, Italy, the first living nativity scene on Christmas Eve 1223.
The Nativity was sculpted in around the year 1291 to honor the relics of the Holy Crib - the boards of the manger in which Jesus was placed on Christmas night - which were brought from the Holy Land in the VII century AD and which are still inside the crypt under the central altar.

For at least two centuries, churches in Rome have attracted visitors by setting up elaborate Nativity scenes, often with moving parts, flying comets and running water, thus leading to a nativity scene tourism in the Italian capital.

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©2016 Gianni Cipriano
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20161209_NYT-Nativity
ROME, ITALY - 9 DECEMBER 2016: The nativity scene by Italian architect and sculptor Arnolfo di Cambio (1240-1300 AD), is seen here in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, Italy, on December 9th 2016.<br /> <br /> Arnolfo Di Cambio's nativity scene is the first one sculpted in history. It was commissioned by Nicolas IV, the first Franciscan Pontiff, probably inspired by Saint Frances who set up in Greccio, Italy, the first living nativity scene on Christmas Eve 1223.<br /> The Nativity was sculpted in around the year 1291 to honor the relics of the Holy Crib - the boards of the manger in which Jesus was placed on Christmas night - which were brought from the Holy Land in the VII century AD and which are still inside the crypt under the central altar.<br /> <br /> For at least two centuries, churches in Rome have attracted visitors by setting up elaborate Nativity scenes, often with moving parts, flying comets and running water, thus leading to a nativity scene tourism in the Italian capital.