The Oldest Preserved Board Nativity Scene in Tyrol in Reutte

The Nativity Scene in St. Anna’s Church

Today, I would like to introduce you to a special Christmas tradition that can be admired in Reutte during the festive season – the Nativity scene in St. Anna’s Church.

Where does the tradition of the Nativity scene come from?

The depiction of the Christmas story in the form of a nativity scene is believed to date back to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. Fragments of wood are preserved there which, according to tradition, are said to come from the manger of Jesus.

The popularity of nativity scenes was further influenced by the Christmas celebration of St. Francis of Assisi in the forest of Greccio in 1223. On this occasion, a nativity with living figures became the centre of the celebration.

The History of the Nativity Scene in St. Anna’s Church in Reutte

It is not known exactly when a nativity scene was first displayed at the Franciscan monastery of St. Anna in Reutte. After the great fire of 1703, the existing church traditions were recorded in the monastery chronicle – among them the custom of setting up a nativity scene at Christmas.

Following the fire, the Franciscan monks received a new nativity with dressed figures. Despite the ban issued by Emperor Joseph II in 1783 – which strictly prohibited the display of nativity scenes in churches – the most important figures were still allowed to be shown. It is considered certain that this nativity was destroyed again in the fire of 1846.

The Nativity Scene in St. Anna’s Church is the oldest preserved panel nativity in Tyrol

The present-day nativity comes from the Franciscan monastery in Hall in Tirol and was created by the Innsbruck artist Franz Hueber – although it is unclear whether the painter was the father or his son of the same name. In 1847, the figures were delivered from Hall. They had originally been commissioned as early as 1738 and had to be restored due to their age.

The painted backdrop of the nativity scene was most likely created by the Höfen artist Josef Anton Köpfle. The following black-and-white photographs show how the nativity was once displayed on the high altar of St. Anna’s Church, which at that time was still decorated with wall paintings.

The nativity was no longer displayed after the church renovation began in 1964. Instead, it was stored in the attic of the Franciscan monastery, where it gradually fell into obscurity. Twenty-seven years later, the nativity – carefully and beautifully restored – was presented once again for the first time at Christmas in 1991.

The “Four” Magi of Reutte

From Christmas Eve (24 December) until 5 January, the nativity scene shows Mary, Joseph, and the Christ Child, along with angels, shepherds, and sheep. Above the Christmas scene in the stable of Bethlehem, God the Father is depicted together with the Holy Spirit. Angels hold a scroll bearing the inscription “Gloria in excelsis Deo” – “Glory to God in the highest.”

On Epiphany, 6 January, the shepherds are replaced by the figures of the Three Wise Men. At the same time, the figure of Mary placing the Christ Child in the manger is exchanged for a seated Madonna holding the child on her lap. Two Sundays later, a fourth king was traditionally added, commonly referred to as the “Fourth Wise Man.” This custom is based on a legend: on his journey to the Christ Child, the fourth king performed so many acts of charity that he arrived later than the other three. The tradition of a fourth king is believed to be unique in Tyrol. Today, all four kings are already placed in the nativity scene together on 6 January.