During the 15 years of his life, a wooden mechanical nativity scene was carved by the master carver Jozef Pekara from Rajecké Teplice. It was first available to the general public on its official opening on the day of its opening on 26 November 1995.
Bethlehem represents the culture, history and traditional life in Slovakia over the centuries. It depicts countless folk, religious and secular monuments of national heritage. This is the territory of the whole of Slovakia, captured on an area 8.5 m long, 2.5 m wide and 3 m high. This ranks this nativity scene among the largest carved wooden nativity scenes in Europe.
In addition, you can find examples of traditional folk crafts in Slovakia, from shepherds, miners, lumberjacks and winegrowers, through shoemakers or weavers, to potters, carpenters, coopers or blacksmiths and folk music. The central motif of all these customs and folk occupations are cribs with little Jesus, Mary and Joseph. They are guarded by a symbolic donkey and a cow, along with shepherds and three kings from the east.
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