Greccio: Nativity Tradition, History and Nature Trails

Greccio combines an extraordinary nativity tradition with Franciscan history, a fortified medieval town centre and trails through untouched nature. When looking for accommodation, it is therefore especially useful to consider which focus should define your trip: the historic centre, the religious sites, the Christmas events or the landscape surrounding the town.

Franciscan History at the Santuario

The Santuario Francescano del Presepio is located two kilometres from the town on a rocky cliff. A dense forest of centuries-old holm oaks towers over the cliff, which dominates the green Conca Reatina. This setting alone makes the sanctuary a destination in its own right within Greccio. When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home, you can take the distance between the town and the Santuario into account when planning your individual days.

The original core of the Santuario is the Cappella del Presepio, built in 1228 in a grotto. There, on Christmas night in 1223, Saint Francis of Assisi had the birth of Jesus portrayed for the first time. The chapel also contains a fresco from the school of Giotto. In two scenes, it depicts the Presepio di Greccio and the birth of Christ in Bethlehem, as well as the nursing Virgin Mary with the infant Jesus.

Historic Town Centre and Nativity Museum

The historic centre of Greccio preserves the structure of a fortified medieval castrum dating from the 11th century; the castle is still visible. The town's history also includes the Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Michele Arcangelo, which dates from the 11th century. The Museo Internazionale del Presepe is located 200 metres from the historic centre and was created through the restoration of historic buildings, including the former 13th-century church of Santa Maria.

In November 2025, the reopening of the Museo Internazionale del Presepe after renovation and expansion was announced. When planning your visit, you should place this information in its temporal context and take the information applicable at the time of your visit into account. Another historic attraction is the Chiesa della Madonna del Giglio, a Baroque church richly decorated with precious stucco work. It was closed for religious services after the 2016 earthquake.

Trails, Nature and Special Memorial Sites

The Cammino di Francesco connects the places mentioned above and the valley surrounding them. The trail follows in the footsteps of Saint Francis and passes through old hermitages, valleys and untouched forests. In addition, the Greccio area has a 20-kilometre network of trails leading through untouched nature. These different trail options can easily be combined with cultural sightseeing when choosing your holiday days, without having to commit to just one type of travel.

The Artists Path leads to a memorial chapel. There you will find the stone on which Saint Francis stood when he preached to the people of Greccio. For visitors who wish to experience religious history not only through buildings but also through places and stories, this trail offers a distinct perspective.

Greccio at Christmas

The connection with the nativity scene is particularly influential in Greccio during the Christmas season. Since 1972, a historical reenactment of the Nativity in Greccio has been performed here every year at Christmas. For the 2026/2027 edition, “Greccio... il Presepio” is planned as the XXVIII Exhibition and Market of handicrafts and objects related to the nativity scene. The event is dedicated to artistic craftsmanship and the nativity tradition, bringing Greccio to life during the Christmas season.

If you are travelling with different interests, you can divide your days accordingly: in the historic centre, the castrum, castle and churches are the main focus, while the Santuario, Cammino di Francesco and trail network offer other points of interest. A holiday apartment in Greccio is particularly suitable for your plans if you would like to view the town as a starting point for these various cultural and scenic themes. If you would like to compare other places, here are the destinations provided: Cantalice, Montasola, Borgo Velino, Castel di Tora, Amatrice, Rocca Sinibalda, Ornaro and Cittaducale.

For the overarching travel overview: Rieti.