Via San Gregorio Armeno; in central Naples: the narrow street is the center of the world's nativity market; with several hundred workshops ; stores and stands selling full nativity scenes and individual statues made of wood; plaster and terra cotta.Naples has an especially rich tradition; one rooted in artistic excellence. The nativity has been an integral part of the Christmas culture in the southern Italian city for centuries. -- Marco Ferrigno in his workshop.This fourth-generation family business founded in 1836; operates three shops on Via San Gregorio Armeno. DECEMBER 2009. NAPLES.ITALY. PHOTO : Eric Vandeville/akg-images