BlomsOnTour's Guestbook

Fantastic Rome!
As home to Vatican City, the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, Rome is rich with Christmas' most sacred traditions. Manger scenes, called presepi, originated just a little north of Rome in Assisi some 800 years ago, when St. Francis taught the story of Jesus' birth with props. For a bit of manger history, visit the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. There you can see five wooden planks, said to be from the original Christmas manger. Creative creches are on display all over town, ranging from old and traditional to avant-garde. Dip into any church in town from early December through Epiphany (January 6) to see one, or visit Piazza del Popolo's annual exhibition, with 100 presepi made by artists and schoolchildren. Artistic quality varies, but each is unique. See more at http://www.triphobo.com/rome-italy