Maranatha Nativity Scene Museum

Since 2000, in Lutago in the Valle Aurina, a tributary valley of the Val Pusteria, there has been the Maranatha Museum. Its name is based on an Aramaic term meaning "Our lord may come!" In the valley it has always been a tradition to set up a Christmas crib in Christmas time. The Christmas tree and the Advent wreath, however, are traditions that only date back to the 20th century. The museum displays folk art Tyrolean cribs that in part cover rooms and that are well-elaborated in every detail. Among the exhibits, there is also a walkable crib of 70 sqm, comprising life-sized wooden figurines. Moreover there are oriental and modern exemplars.

Already the entrance hall is worth a visit, as it is a replica of a Tyrolean barn, constructed of the demolished wood of the Holzlechn Farm in Predoi, dating back to the 18th century. Moreover an entire room is dedicated to mask carving, which has got a long tradition in the Valle Aurina, especially the traditional sun mask, witch mask and devil mask, which still today is used at the traditional Krampus' Run. The offer is completed by the 1,300 sqm large Sculptors' Garden with its artworks of different countries, and the Artist's Atelier of Lukas Troi, a sculptor of the valley.

The Maranatha Nativity Scene Museum - "Krippenmuseum Maranatha" in German, "Museo dei Presepi Maranatha" in Italian - is open all year round to those who are interested in folk art and wood carving. In South Tyrol there are three more Nativity Scene Collections. The Stabinger Nativity Scene Collection is located in Sesto, in addition there is the Nativity Scene Museum at the Muri-Gries Monastery in Bolzano and the Nativity Scene Museum Original Heide in Pontives at the entrance to the Val Gardena valley. In the Val Gardena valley, on the other hand, there is the world’s largest hand-carved nativity scene. And how to reach the Maranatha Museum? It is located in Via Rio Bianco road, a small street that branches off on the left from the Valle Aurina road. Some parking spaces are available, the bus, however, stops at the tourist office.