The Krakow Nativity is a unique form of nativity. It is on UNESCO list of intangible world heritage. Called szopka Krakowska in Polish it has originated in the first half of the 19th century in Krakow by the bricklayers and construction workers idled by the severe Polish winters. They created fanciful nativities from cardboard, foil paper and beads. Krakow nativities, while showing the eternal story of Christ’s birth, instead of locating the Holy Family in the manger it places it within miniaturized elements of Krakow’s architecture and landmarks, and populates it with Krakow’s unique legends and folklore.
The bricklayers traditionally brought their nativities to Krakow’s main square to share with the city people and hopefully to sell. Bringing the Krakow Nativity to the main square became a tradition and they are always brought and presented by the Adam Mickiewicz monument there on the first Thursday in December. In 1937 a Krakow Nativity competition was started, which has continued to this day with a short interruption during WWII. The nativities are judged, the most beautiful Krakow Nativities are awarded prizes and exhibited for 2-3 months at the Krakow’s Museum. The Krakow Nativities offered here are either the winning entries from the Yearly competition or copies of these same nativities made by the artists.
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One of a kind,Krakow nativity by competition winner Gluch on black and gold check base with five church spires. -
The Wyspianski szopka honorarily mentioned in the 2017 Krakow Nativity competition by 4th generation Nativity artist. -
Miniature szopka copy of a 1st place winning entery in the Krakow Nativity competition in the miniature category. The nativity has thre levels, with guarding knights and musicians, the Holy family is on the second level. -
Miniature szopka-krakow Nativity with arched entryway, stars and Swarovski crystals -
A small Krakow nativity on three levels by competition winner Gluch. Trimed with pearls, and silver balls. Has three levels, and the legendary Lajkojnik, the St. Mary church famous steeple is doubly crowned here. -
One of a kind Krakow Nativity by competition winner Marzena with the Sigismund chapel from royal Castle in Krakow. Signed by the artist. -
A traditional Krakow nativity known as szopka with the copula of Wavel Castle, the St. Mary Cathedral, and Krakow old City Hall. -
Handmade Krakow Nativity. Two levels. On the bottom has four figures in long gowns adoring the newborn King, who is with the Holy family in an alcove on the first level. The second level has three spires, the middle St. Mary's church crowned steeple. -
Traditional Szopka - Krakow Nativity with five church steeples decorated around the base with colored diamonds. -
Krakow Nativity, szopka with Wavel Castle, with five church steeples including the crowned steeple of the t. Mary Cathedral of Krakow. -
Miniature Krakow Nativity by Kirsz whose nativities are in the collections of many museums. A copy of a 1st place winning nativity with the Holy Family on the ground level and a cross on the middle church steeple -
One of a kind Krakow Nativity szopka. The last of Gluch series of the brick series after Krakow's walls. Has 4 levels and 4 towers. -
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Elaborate one of a kind Krakow Nativity with 12 figures including the Lajkoinki, . 5 towers green roofs and the holy Family -
Krakow Nativity, called szopka in Polish with three levels, and Wawel - the Royal Castle Chapel dome and six figures. -
Krakow Nativity, called szopka in Polish with three levels, and Wawel - the Royal Castle Chapel dome and six figures -
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Krarkow Nativity creche with three levels, very detailed embellished with pearls and swarovski crystals. -
Unique, original szopka from the 74th Krakow Nativities competition small nativity category by 4th generation artist, full of great fetures. -
Szopka from the 76th edition of the Krakow Nativity competition. Combining modern and old traditions endlessly fascinating.