Panewniki Nativity Scene

The Panewniki Nativity scene is an altar Christmas crib built every year in the basilica in Katowice-Panewniki. It is regarded as the largest Nativity scene of this type in Europe.

Where it came from

Construction began in 1908, soon after the consecration of the basilica. In 1949 the Nativity scene was moved to the central place of the church. The structure is made of spruce beams and boards, and the background is a painted sky-blue vault.

Size and figures

In 2006 the Nativity scene was 25 metres high, 20 wide and 12 deep, and covered about 730 square metres. The dimensions change from year to year. It contains about 120 figures made of plaster, wood and resin, the oldest of which date from the 19th century. The figures of Mary and Joseph are 95 cm tall, and the 44-centimetre figure of the Child was brought from Bethlehem in 1981. Since 1994 there has also been a moving Nativity scene with mechanical figures, and since 2002 a living Nativity scene with animals has been set up in the monastery garden.

Practical information

• Location: the basilica in Katowice-Panewniki.
• The Nativity scene can be viewed from Christmas until the first days of February. Check visiting hours on the monastery's website.
• In the area, about 1 km away, lies Zadole Park.