The art of nativity scene making in Meta: where to see the artisans at work

The trail dedicated to the art of nativity scene making is the first itinerary of the “A Meta Percorsi” project, a cultural initiative promoted by the Municipality of Meta to showcase the local area through experiential routes, local traditions, and paths that celebrate its unique identity.

The art of nativity scene making represents one of the most defining artistic expressions of the Neapolitan and Campanian tradition; yet today, this ancient craft is at risk of gradually disappearing.

Traditional techniques passed down through generations are practiced less and less, and many historic workshops have closed over the years.

Nativity scene art in Meta: where to see artisan workshops on the Sorrento Peninsula

The workshops of nativity scene artisans are not merely exhibition spaces but living environments where the art of the presepe thrives daily through time-honored craftsmanship, manual artistry, historical study, and artistic research.

In this setting, Meta preserves a precious heritage thanks to two master artisans who continue to work in the tradition of the 18th-century Neapolitan nativity scene: Giuseppe Ercolano and Federico Iaccarino.

The experience allows visitors to step inside the workshops, observe the creation of nativity figures up close, learn about the materials used, and discover a tradition that remains alive all year round—far beyond the Christmas season.

Each piece is the result of extensive manual work: clay modeling, sculpting facial expressions, sewing costumes, woodworking, and designing the settings. It is a cultural legacy that tells the story not only of religious tradition but also of the social, popular, and artistic history of the Campania region.

Giuseppe Ercolano: tradition and mastery of the Neapolitan nativity scene art

Giuseppe Ercolano is today considered one of the leading contemporary exponents of the Neapolitan nativity scene tradition. Born in Meta in 1976, he has dedicated over twenty-five years to championing the traditional techniques of the 18th-century Neapolitan presepe, becoming a key figure for collectors, scholars, and enthusiasts alike.

In his workshop in the historic center of Meta, every figure is crafted by hand in faithful adherence to tradition: glass eyes, hand-carved wooden limbs, fine fabrics, and meticulously handcrafted details.

His artistic output encompasses classic figures, animals, monumental settings, and works inspired by Neapolitan folk culture, always with a strong emphasis on historical research and craftsmanship.

Presepe Giuseppe Ercolano A Meta Percorsi

Giuseppe Ercolano's key achievements

Throughout his career, Giuseppe Ercolano has participated in numerous national and international exhibitions dedicated to the art of nativity scene making. His works have been exhibited in Italy and abroad, contributing to the dissemination of the contemporary Neapolitan tradition.

Among his most significant accolades:

In 2024, he curated an exhibition at the Museo Correale in Sorrento featuring an installation of his own Neapolitan Nativity scene, alongside pieces from the Pompeo Correale collection..
the solo exhibition “Giuseppe Ercolano and the Masters of the Nativity Scene,” hosted at Villa Fiorentino in Sorrento in 2025;
the meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican, during which the artist presented one of his works to the Holy Father;
Giuseppe Ercolano designed the display at the Diocesan Museum in Freising, Bavaria, for the nativity scene featuring the shepherds of Ferdinand IV.

Today, his works are appreciated for the elegance of the figures, the attention to detail, and the ability to convey the authentic soul of the Neapolitan tradition.

Federico Iaccarino: an authentic voice of the Neapolitan nativity scene tradition

Federico Iaccarino is a leading voice in the traditional nativity scene artistry of the Sorrento Peninsula. In his workshop in Meta, artistic creation is never merely a matter of execution, but an act of devotion that follows the rhythms and grace of the 18th-century Neapolitan tradition.

Each piece is the result of meticulous craftsmanship: oil-painted terracotta faces, glass eyes, and garments sewn entirely by hand from fine fabrics. His work represents a constant quest to capture the soul within the details; innovation never takes center stage but serves as an invisible, discreet tool designed solely to ensure the durability and longevity of the pieces, allowing the tradition to withstand the test of time without ever compromising its cultural identity or classical aesthetic.

Federico Iaccarino's key achievements

Federico Iaccarino has represented the Neapolitan nativity scene tradition at numerous national and international events; his works are held in many public and private collections worldwide.

Among the most significant milestones in Federico Iaccarino’s career is his participation in creating the nativity scene installed in St. Peter’s Square for Christmas 2025.

The monumental figures featured in the Vatican nativity scene were crafted by this master artisan from Meta—a prestigious achievement that has brought the nativity art of Meta to international attention. His figures were broadcast to a global audience, and during the December 31st celebrations, the Holy Father paused to pray right beside the figures sculpted by Federico.

For this project, Iaccarino successfully blended tradition with innovation: the figures retained the classic characteristics of the Neapolitan nativity scene while incorporating modern technologies to ensure greater durability and resilience for outdoor display.

His work helps keep alive an art form at risk of disappearing, making Meta one of the few places where one can still witness the authentic craftsmanship of the Neapolitan nativity tradition firsthand.