Ossana, the hamlet with 1000 nativity scenes

The nativity scene itinerary starts off from a magical comert right in the town centre of Ossana, and it winds its way through the narrow streets and hidden corners of this hamlet all the way up to the walls of the San Michele Castle: almost 1600 characteristic nativity scenes, all handmade by local citizens, artists, schools and volunteer associations from Ossana and from all of Val di Sole. You can admire these incredibly creative nativity scenes that are made using unusual materials like fabric, wood, seeds or corn leaves. And just for this special event, the itinerary in this quaint mountain hamlet is illuminated using ancient oil lamps. You can visit the nativity scenes from November 29th 2024 to January 6th 2025, from 10 am to 10 pm.

NOT TO MISS

MECHANICAL NATIVITY SCENE

Located next to the San Vigilio Church . The nativity depicts scenes from daily life dating back several decades

WORLD WAR I NATIVITY SCENE

Located within the walls of the San Michele Castle . This nativity scene was created for the WWI Centenary, taking visitors back to this war in the trenches and the chance to relive this true story that occurred on Christmas night during WWI

MONTE GINER NATIVITY SCENE

Located in the «Mas dei Voltolini» . This nativity scene was created to mark the 60th anniversary of the tragic airplane crash that occurred on December 22nd 1956 on Mount Giner at a height of 2.600 meters in the Ossana area

WOMAN RIGHTS NATIVITY SCENE

Within the exhibition, all the women victims of violence and femicide will be particularly remembered in one of the cribs. Exposed on a farm at the foot of the Castle of San Michele.

OSSANA'S MINIATURE

Made in 2020-2021, during the pandemic, it represents the faithful miniature of the village of Ossana.It is set up in the Sala Jacopo Aconcio on the ground floor of the Town Hall.

OUR ROOTS

Nativity in alpine landscape on roots.

The ancient walls of the castle are like a treasure chest just waiting to be opened and filled with the magical atmosphere of this event. Castel San Michele is definitely one of the main features of this special itinerary, where visitors will find an extraordinary nativity scene that is a symbol of all of the hardships that soldiers had to face during WWI. Don't miss this nativity scene!  The San Michele Castle - which reopened to the public in July 2014 - most likely dates back to the Lombard period (VI-VIII centuries), but the first written documents with information concerning the castle date back to the year 1191. The castle is in a fantastic position: it's located on a spur of rock that is inaccessible on three sides. An easy two minute walk takes you up to the quadrangular fortified tower from where you can enjoy a great view of the upper part of Val di Sole.

THE SAN VIGILIO CHURCH

 
HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS

The San Vigilio Church and the San Michele Castle in Ossana are the most important historical and artistic points of interest in Ossana. The high altar and the pulpit in the San Vigilio Church, (named after Saint Vigilius, the bishop that during the IV e V centuries brought Christianity to Trentino) were created by the woodcarvers Ramus (the Baroque ancons were also carved and gilded in their workshops), are of particular importance.

Browse through the stalls at the  Christmas market  nestled within the castle walls and take advantage of this special opportunity to purchase local handmade products. This event not only gives you the chance to discover the magical atmosphere of these special handmade nativity scenes, but you can also try typical local desserts like krapfen and frittelle di mele (special doughnuts and apple fritters) plus delicious spiced mulled wine.
 

Santa’s House is an enchanting place where children will feel like they're in a magical Christmas dream. Here, you'll find a room full of gifts. You can also visit Santa Claus' room and meet lots of fantastic characters. Santa's wooden sleigh, the exact same sleigh that he uses to bring gifts to all the children in the world, will be waiting for you outside of his house...