Founder

Don Giacomo Piazzoli ‘s life was an extraordinary example of dedication to faith, nativity art and community. His story shows how a deep passion can turn into a lasting legacy and inspire many people.

Don Giacomo Piazzoli was born in Bergamo in 1920 to a modest family but with a solid Christian upbringing. After being ordained a priest in 1947, he was sent to Brembo, a growing neighborhood near the major industrial settlement of Dalmine. Here, with his inventiveness and determination, he became a key figure in creating the Brembo community.

His passion for nativity art emerged early in his ministry at Brembo, and he began to pass on this love of the nativity scene and Christmas to his community. In 1965, he became a member of the Italian Association of Friends of the Nativity (AIAP) and founded the Brembo section the following year. This marked the beginning of a fervent activity to promote and popularize nativity art.

Don Giacomo Piazzoli was also a skilled crib builder, creating numerous works and crib sets. He has undertaken historical research on the nativity scene and nativity traditions in Bergamo, thus contributing to the knowledge and dissemination of this art.

His passion and dedication have led him to become a tireless communicator of the nativity scene, with appearances on radio and television, interviews, documentaries, and even appearances on national television shows. He was known as “The Nativity Pastor” and “Monsignor Nativity.”

In 1976, at the UnFoPrae International Congress in San Sebastian, Spain, he was awarded the highest honor in the crib field worldwide for his extraordinary efforts.

Don Giacomo Piazzoli passed away in 1988, but his legacy and love for the nativity scene lives on through the Nativity Museum he created. His tomb bears the epitaph “Brembo’s first parish priest and PRESEPIST,” testifying to his love and dedication to a life devoted to the crib.

The Nativity Museum continues to carry on its work and legacy, helping to spread and preserve this wonderful Christmas tradition.