Nativity scenes from Třešť in Jindřišská Tower

Nativity scenes have been created in Třešť since the beginning of the 19th century. Originally, the figures were made of paper, but have been hand-carved from wood since the 1960s. People from all over the country come to this town every year to take a part in a unique activity known as Betlémská cesta - ’the Bethlehem Way’. The name comes from the Czech word for nativity scene, betlém (meaning Bethlehem, the town where Jesus was born). Betlémská cesta consists of walking from house to house, looking at various nativity scenes right in the homes of the artisan carvers who made them. You can enjoy this unforgettable opportunity from 26 December to 2 February.

Evolving nativity scenes

It is no wonder that the famous nativity scenes from Třešť also capture the interest of people in Prague. This year’s exhibition in Jindřišská Tower is the 11^th annual exhibition of the nativity scenes. "The nativity scenes from Třešť' are said to evolve, and that is what makes them so special," says Lucie Dolfi, the manager of Jindřišská tower, who always looks forward to this exhibition. "I never know what the annual exhibition will be like in advance. Thanks to new additions, the nativity is different every year," Dolfi says.

Třešť's nativity scenes are unique in many ways. For example, the models of the countryside are only made from natural materials. The centre of the nativity scene is always a manger with the baby Jesus in the stable or cave that was his place of birth. Around the crib there are chalets and farmhouses. The whole landscape then rises to the horizon, similarly to the surroundings of Třešť, which is hilly.

As busy as bees

"During the year, the craftsmen walk through the forests surrounding Třešť and seek the material for their works. At the end of September, they collect moss. They keep it in a slightly moist state to stay nicely green. The moss is later added to the rest of the nativity scene, along with the branches of trees, dried flowers, little figures... Thanks to these materials, Jindřišská tower always starts to have a pleasant scent from the first Advent weekend," smiles Dolfi.

She visits the craftsmen every year in their town and watches them working. "They are as busy as bees. Everyone has their own job and they know exactly what to do. And when I see the result, it always takes my breath away," the manager says.

Unlimited fantasy

If you admire the Třešť nativity scenes in the Jindřišská tower annually, you know that this biblical narrative about the birth of a child in an abandoned stable is unique every year. The scene is always enriched with something new, as Lucie Dolfi says, and the creator’s imagination is not limited.

"First, the main nativity scene was five meter long. Then we extended it to nine meters - we incorporated a water mill, a deep cave. The following year, the paper model of Jindřišská tower was placed among the various models of houses,” Dolfi describes the changes to the exhibition.

Today, the model of Jindřišská tower at the exhibition is made of wood and there are even figures of the Holy Family in front of it. You can find it among many other figures and buildings, depicting the architecture of Vysočina and even the Byzantine Empire. Come to see the exhibition and let yourself be carried away by the magic of this folk art.

From the vista to the restaurant

If you decide to visit the Třešť nativity exhibition, you can’t miss visiting the whole Jindřišská Tower. The ideal point to start the tour is the tenth floor, on the vista, that offers a unique view of Prague. "You can also wait for the chiming of ten bells that ring every hour," says Lucie Dolfi, as she invites visitors to explore the tower.

You can also visit two interactive exhibitions – the first about the Jindřišská Tower, and the second called the Museum of Prague Towers. "The experience can be absorbed in our restaurant or café," Dolfi concludes.

Exhibition of the Třešť Nativity Scenes

• Open until 02/02/2019
•  Jindřišská Tower
•  Open daily from 10am to 7pm

Admission:

• Adults: CZK 140
• Students/seniors: CZK 80
• Children up to 14 years: CZK 50
• Family (2 Adults + 2 Children) CZK 320
• www.jindrisskavez.cz