Mario Andreoli sparkling nativity scene

The creator of the great, sparkling nativity scene is Mario Andreoli, born in 1928, who will turn on the switch and light up a whole hill (Collina delle Tre Croci) with 250 figures covered in 15,000 light bulbs.

“It was 1961 when my father, on his deathbed, asked me to restore a cross that stood on top of our family hill” tells Mario. “After having restored the cross, I had the idea of lighting it up using a car battery. And then I’ve never stopped since.”

Iron, plastic and recycled materials of all sorts, angle grinder and welding torch, creativity and doggedness: Mario started to create his figures.

Starting as a DIY enthusiast, Mario unintentionally created an extraordinary work of environmental art, perfectly integrated in the surrounding vineyard landscape.

In 1985 he retired from his railwayman job, and was finally able to dedicate himself to the project which is now a collective good of Manarola and the whole Cinque Terre.

In the next few days we will publish the full programme of the inauguration, to take place on 8th December 2017, organised by Cinque Terre National Park, the municipality of Manarola, and the "Presepe di Manarola di Mario Andreoli" association.