Not many are familiar with the name “Greccio,” and perhaps not even with the place. This pretty hamlet of 1,500 is located on the Apennines, in the Rieti province of Lazio, and is one of the Borghi più Belli d’Italia. But if you are devout to, or interested in the historical figure of Saint Francis of Assisi you know Greccio is important for the cult of Saint Francis and it is also the place where he created the first everpresepe.

If we say presepe today, our mind travels immediately to the colorful streets of Naples, and to San Gregorio Armeno, the heart of presepe-making craftsmanship. But this beautiful Italian tradition goes well beyond art, heritage and folklore, it is imbued with spirituality and faith. At the heart and origin of it, one man, Francis of Assisi, and one small village, Greccio.