Via San Gregorio Armeno in Naples is lively any time of year but it's especially lively during December as shoppers look for pieces to add to their Christmas crib, or presepe. Via San Gregorio Armeno is lined with workshops making figurines for nativity scenes, the traditional Christmas focus in Italy. Today we visited three workshops on a fascinating Neopolitan Christmas Traditions walk given by Context Travel Naples. The photo shows part of a presepe in the Christmas crib display room on the second floor of the Ferrigno shop.

Photos: Via San Gregorio Armeno Pictures

Presepe photo © Martha Bakerjian, licensed to About.com

Context Travel's Rome Holiday Walk takes in three very interesting presepi, or nativities. Our walk started at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, home to the oldest presepio (shown in the photo), carved in marble by Arnolfo di Cambio in the late 13th century. On the walk our highly knowledgeable docent gave us an in-depth look at how the presepio, or nativity, tradition started and at the origins and traditions of Christmas in Rome.

Our walk also included a visit to the largest presepio and the Santo Bambino, to whom Italian children write their Christmas letters. It was a fascinating tour. This week I'll also be taking Context Travel's Neapolitan Christmas Traditions walk.

Photo of Nativity in Santa Maria Maggiore Museum © Martha Bakerjian, licensed to About.com

Ruspoli Castle, north of Rome, presents Natale al Castello Ruspoli di Vignanello, a program of Christmas events including Babbo Natale in the castle at 4pm (free) and guided visits to the castle in the mornings (admission). Dates are December 13 with a market of local foods (free) and lunch with wine tasting (35 euro) and December 19 - 20 with an artisan market (free).

This is a great opportunity to visit the castle which dates from 847. Find out more about the castle with our Ruspoli Castle and Garden Pictures.

Ruspoli Castle Photo © SecretGardensItaly, used by permission

Who will deliver gifts in Italy this year, La Befana or Santa?

Previous Italy Travel Photos of the Week

Photo of la Befana and Santa taken at an Italian Christmas Market © Martha Bakerjian, licensed to About.com