An extraordinary 18th-century Neapolitan nativity is set to return to Bishop Auckland this Christmas.

The display, known as a presepe in Italian, will go on show at the Faith Museum at Auckland Palace, having first been unveiled to the public in 2022.

Lydia Prosser, curator at Auckland Palace, said: "We’re privileged to be showcasing a nativity set of this scale and quality.

"There are very few places outside Italy where you can see anything like it, and it is truly breathtaking.

The Auckland Palace Nativity exhibition (Image: Bec Hughes)

"Every figure is installed by hand, scene by scene, telling the story of the birth of Jesus through the lens of 18th-century Naples.

"We’re excited to welcome visitors to discover the extraordinary craftsmanship and stories hidden within this bea

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