{"id":22785,"date":"2026-06-25T10:04:10","date_gmt":"2026-06-25T10:04:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aboutsorrento.com\/uncategorized\/arte-presepiale-a-meta\/"},"modified":"2026-06-25T10:51:29","modified_gmt":"2026-06-25T10:51:29","slug":"arte-presepiale-a-meta","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aboutsorrento.com\/en\/what-to-do\/arte-presepiale-a-meta\/","title":{"rendered":"The art of nativity scene making in Meta: where to see the artisans at work"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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The trail dedicated to the art of nativity scene making is the first itinerary of the “A Meta Percorsi<\/strong>” 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.<\/p>

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.<\/p>

Traditional techniques passed down through generations are practiced less and less, and many historic workshops have closed over the years.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Nativity scene art in Meta: where to see artisan workshops on the Sorrento Peninsula<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The workshops of nativity scene artisans<\/strong> are not merely exhibition spaces but living environments where the art of the presepe<\/strong>\u00a0thrives daily through time-honored craftsmanship, manual artistry, historical study, and artistic research.<\/p>

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

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\u2014far beyond the Christmas season.<\/p>

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.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Giuseppe Ercolano: tradition and mastery of the Neapolitan nativity scene art<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Giuseppe Ercolano<\/strong> is today considered one of the leading contemporary exponents of the Neapolitan nativity scene tradition. Born in Meta<\/strong> in 1976<\/strong>, he has dedicated over twenty-five years<\/strong> to championing the traditional techniques of the 18th-century Neapolitan presepe<\/strong>, becoming a key figure<\/strong> for collectors, scholars, and enthusiasts alike.<\/p>

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

His artistic output encompasses classic figures, animals, monumental settings, and works inspired by Neapolitan folk culture<\/strong>, always with a strong emphasis on historical research and craftsmanship.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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\"Presepe<\/figure><\/div>
\"A<\/figure><\/div>
\"Artigiano<\/figure><\/div>
\"Bottega<\/figure><\/div>
\"Giuseppe<\/figure><\/div>
\"Giuseppe<\/figure><\/div>
\"Pastori<\/figure><\/div>
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Giuseppe Ercolano's key achievements<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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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.<\/p>

Among his most significant accolades:<\/p>