The Magical Shepherds’ Road in Naples: a Journey into the Heart of Christmas Traditions. If you want to immerse yourself in the Christmas traditions of Naples, you absolutely must walk along the Strada dei Pastori in San Gregorio Armeno.
Located in the heart of Naples, between Via dei Tribunali and the famous Spaccanapoli, San Gregorio Armeno is one of the most famous streets of the Neapolitan city, and is known throughout the world as ’’the Via dei Presepi’’ thanks to the presence of ancient shops of artisans who create Neapolitan nativity scene characters by hand.
At the time of the Roman Empire, San Gregorio Armeno was already a narrow street populated by workshops of artisans who created terracotta statuettes for citizens eager to make offerings in the temples.
The tradition of the Neapolitan nativity scene began in the mid-1700s and San Gregorio Armeno became famous as "the street of nativity scenes", thanks to the masters who created statuettes by hand that reproduced the characters of the classical Nativity: now the master craftsmen expertly reproduce not only the figures of the Neapolitan nativity scene but also politicians, sportsmen (such as the very famous Diego Armando Maradona) and other well-known figures of current affairs.
During the year, Via San Gregorio Armeno is not particularly crowded and it is possible to calmly observe the artisans at work and their creations.
During the Christmas period, with the festive illuminations, traditional music and the magical atmosphere of Christmas, you can see the Via dei Presepi in its maximum splendor but you must take into account the strong influx of tourists from all over the world.
In the same "via dei Presepi", there is the wonderful Monastery of San Gregorio Armeno with its church, also known as the church of S. Patrizia. Historians believe that the ancient Temple of Ceres, a goddess much venerated in ancient Neapolis, was located in this monastery. The Monastery of San Gregorio Armeno develops around a cloister with a beautiful Baroque-style fountain, and is still inhabited by the Crucified Sisters Adorers of Jesus.
If you want to take a tour of the city of Naples and see the wonders of San Gregorio Armeno with an expert guide, contact me and I will tell you how to take not only a tour but also how to live a genuine experience of Neapolitan life.
