A full immersion in a Santas Grotto that will thrill the whole family has been set up by the town of Ornavasso, Verbania, Lake Garda. All through the festive season, the old man with the long white beard can be visited in the ancient pink marble quarries that supplied the precious stone for historic buildings like the Duomo of Milan and the Certosa of Parma.

The pink-tinged walls of the quarry tunnel make a unique backdrop to the toy train journey through the halls full of elves, twergi (traditional Ornavasso gnomes made of terracotta), trolls and other fantastic creatures, including the gigantic Norwegian troll 2.5m tall and weighing 600 kilos, called (in English) the Big One. Highlight of the tour is the enormous 100 sqm mechanical Nativity scene by Giuseppe Loda, believed to be one of the biggest in the world.

The entrance ticket, which can be purchased online or on site, includes a drink of hot chocolate or vin brulď and a scarf made especially for the event by local manufacturer Moda Matia di Anzola d'Ossola.

For information: info@grottadibabbonatale.it -  www.grottadibabbonatale.it