English Audioguide San Gregorio Armeno - The street of the cribs
English Audioguide San Gregorio Armeno - The street of the cribs
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Welcome to the audio guide of San Gregorio Armeno, the famous Street of Nativity Scenes, located in the heart of the historic center of Naples. This picturesque street is world-renowned for its artisan workshops that, for centuries, have created nativity scenes and Christmas figures of extraordinary beauty and detail. Walking through San Gregorio Armeno means immersing yourself in a tradition that combines art, culture, and spirituality, making the Neapolitan Christmas unique and special.
We begin our tour at the start of the street, where we can already admire the first artisan workshops. Here, skilled nativity scene craftsmen work with dedication and mastery to create figures of shepherds, angels, animals, and other characters that populate the nativity scenes. Each workshop has its own style and techniques, passed down from generation to generation. Notice the variety of materials used: terracotta, wood, cork, and fine fabrics, which give the figures extraordinary liveliness and realism.
Continuing along the street, we arrive at the Church of San Gregorio Armeno, which gives the street its name. This church, built in the 8th century and rebuilt in the 16th century, is a magnificent example of Neapolitan Baroque architecture. Inside, we can admire frescoes, gilded stuccoes, and richly decorated altars. The church is dedicated to Saint Gregory of Armenia, whose relics are kept inside. The visit to the church offers a moment of reflection and spirituality, enriching the experience of the street of nativity scenes.
As we continue our walk, we notice how the workshops not only sell traditional figures but also representations of contemporary characters, politicians, sports figures, and celebrities. This mix of sacred and profane is a unique feature of the Neapolitan nativity scene, reflecting everyday life and current events with a touch of irony and creativity. Each figure tells a story and contributes to creating a lively and dynamic nativity scene.
We now arrive at one of the most famous historical workshops of San Gregorio Armeno, the Ferrigno family workshop. Founded in 1836, this workshop is renowned for the quality and originality of its creations. Here we can observe the artisans at work, engaged in the modeling and decoration of the figures. The attention to detail, the expression of the faces, and the precision of the movements make each piece a unique work of art.
Another point of interest is the workshop of Marco Ferrigno, another famous nativity scene master. Marco is known for his ability to innovate the tradition, introducing new materials and techniques without losing respect for the past. His works are appreciated not only in Naples but also worldwide, and visiting his workshop is an experience that enriches the understanding of the nativity scene tradition.
Continuing, we also encounter the workshop of Giuseppe & Marco Ferrigno, where we can admire complete nativity scenes, with detailed and complex landscapes. These nativity scenes are true miniature worlds, where each element is carefully arranged to create a harmonious and evocative scene. The shepherds, houses, bridges, and rivers are arranged to tell the Nativity with a touch of magic and enchantment.
We finally arrive at the terminal part of San Gregorio Armeno, where we can take a break to reflect on what we have seen. The Street of Nativity Scenes is not just a place to shop, but a cultural and artistic experience that allows you to connect with a centuries-old tradition. Each workshop, each figure tells a part of the history of Naples, a city that has managed to preserve and enhance its cultural and spiritual heritage.
Thank you for participating in this audio guide, and we hope your visit to San Gregorio Armeno has been enriching and enjoyable. If you have any questions or need further information, feel free to ask the artisans and workshop staff.

Enjoy your visit and goodbye!