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"Great is the power of memory that dwells in places." (from Cicero)

Flight to Egypt

This small arolla pine sculpture of the holy family on their flight to Egypt dates back to the 17th century. It is one of the oldest works in Museum Gherdëina and an early example of wood carving in Gröden. Carved depictions of the nativity story were developed in the Middle Ages, and, as of the 18th century, lots of families in Gröden specialised in carving crib figurines.

Winged altar with nativity motifs

This crib in the shape of a 2.3-metre-high and 1.8-metre-wide winged altar was made in 1947 by Luis Insam from St. Ulrich for his family. The altar, reminiscent of neo-Gothic style, is carved from Swiss pine and is unvarnished. It depicts the three kings on their journey to Bethlehem, the shepherds' adoration and, on its wings, there are reliefs showing the nativity story, for which the artist deploys a rural farm setting.

Baroque Adoration nativity scene

The carved, painted, and gilded nativity scene of the Adoration of Jesus by the three kings was displayed during Christmas in St. Jacob's Church. A sculptor from the workshop of Kassian Melchior Vinazer carved it around 1760. In addition to Mary with the Christ child, the scene includes Joseph, Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar. The representation of Balthazar as African emerged in Bohemia during the late Middle Ages and became popular throughout Europe.