Rome is the home of Vatican City, headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, and of some of Europe’s most sacred Christmas traditions. Manger scenes, called presepi, originated just a little north of Rome in Assisi some 800 years ago, when St. Francis taught the story of Jesus's birth with props. For a bit of manger history, visit the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. There you can see five wooden planks, said to be from the original Christmas manger. Or visit the Vatican's Nativity scene – the

As home to Vatican City, the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, Rome is rich with sacred Christmas traditions. Manger scenes, called presepi, originated just a little north of Rome in Assisi some 800 years ago, when St. Francis taught the story of Jesus's birth with props. For a bit of manger history, visit the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. There you can see five wooden planks, said to be from the original Christmas manger. Or visit the Vatican's Nativity scene – the premier decorati

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