Czech nativity scenes - unique in the world
December 2008 - The story of the birth of Jesus has been an everlasting inspiration for authors of nativity scenes. The Czech Republic has one of the strongest traditions of nativity scene craftsmanship as producing them – whether from wood, paper, plaster, ceramics or gingerbread – is a tradition dating back to the 16th century.
(photo: CzechTourism)
The museum in Jindřichův Hradec houses the largest mechanical scene in the world – the Krýza Nativity Scene. It took the creator more than 60 years to complete this gargantuan undertaking which holds almost 1,400 figures!
In Třebechovice pod Orebem the villagers have even created a Nativity Scene Museum housing scenes from across the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Their most valuable exhibit is the Třebechovice mechanical nativity scene.
The prized possession at the Nativity Scene Museum in Karlštejn is the Karlštejn royal nativity scene containing figures representing Czech kings.
Annually from December 24 to February 2, you can admire the work of the clever citizens of Třešť na Vysočině in their homes or at the local museum. The Highest Burgrave at Prague Castle also has a tradition of exhibiting nativity scenes.
