Bourbon Nativity Scene from Caserta Palace on Display at Rome's Quirinale for Christmas 2025

Over 400 pieces from the Presepe di Corte of the Reggia di Caserta, a Neapolitan nativity scene dating to the 18th century, will be exceptionally exhibited at the Palazzo del Quirinale in Rome for the 2025 Christmas holidays. The collection was initiated by King Charles of Bourbon and developed with Queen Maria Amalia of Saxony, who personally selected fabrics and sewed the shepherds' garments. Each figure is a detailed artwork: terracotta heads and limbs, glass eyes, and bodies of tow and iron wire for articulation. Figures wear fabrics from San Leucio embroidered with gold and silver threads, oriental ermisino silk, and silk velvets. Accessories include wood, leather, mother-of-pearl, ivory, and wax. The exhibition is housed in the Sala del Mappamondo, open until December 21 and again from January 9 to February 2 (Candelora), by online reservation via the Presidency website. Meanwhile, the traditional Presepe di Corte remains on permanent display at the Reggia di Caserta's Sala Ellittica. The Caserta nativity was last set up in its most majestic form in 1844 by cavalier Cobianchi. The Quirinale continues its tradition of hosting a historic nativity scene on loan from a national museum each year.