If you find yourself wandering through the historic streets of Ancona, there is a new cultural stop that deserves a spot on your itinerary. Tucked away inside the majestic Chiesa del Gesù (Church of the Holy Name of Jesus), designed by the famous architect Vanvitelli, a unique permanent exhibition has just opened its doors: Presepi nel Mondo (Nativities of the World).
This isn’t just a collection of holiday decorations; it is a global journey through art and faith, dedicated to the memory of Father Nicola Iachini, a beloved local Friar and missionary who spent his life connecting cultures.
A World Tour in a Single Room
What makes this exhibition so special is the sheer diversity of the pieces. As you walk through the display, you’ll see the story of the Nativity told through the eyes of dozens of different cultures. Forget the standard plastic figures of our modern times. Here, the Holy Family is crafted from polished ebony from the heart of Africa, intricate terracotta from the Andes, hand-woven straw and exotic fabrics from remote villages in Asia.
Each piece is a testament to how the same story of hope is reimagined through different artistic lenses, materials, and traditions.
The Moving History Behind the Collection
To understand these Nativity scenes, you have to understand the man who collected them. Father Nicola’s journey was deeply personal. In 1973, he left Italy for the Basse-Sambre region of Belgium to serve as a chaplain for Italian miners.
Years earlier, his own father, Alessandro, had died of silicosis at just 57 years old after a lifetime in the Belgian mines. Father Nicola spent over 40 years living alongside these miners and immigrants, sharing their daily struggles. Noticing that the tradition of the Nativity scene was missing in those tough environments, he began promoting it as a symbol of hope and brotherhood.
Maybe you can recognise or remember some of these Nativity Scenes from your tradition?
Tip: The exhibition is located inside the Chiesa del Gesù. Since it is managed by the local Franciscan community and the Diocese, be sure to check the church’s opening hours before you head up. Usually, it’s best to visit in the late morning or during afternoon opening hours.
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