Passion Nativity Scene at the Šedinů Family Workshop in Bechyně

The Passion Nativity Scene at the Šedinů Family Workshop in Bechyně is a monumental wood-carving masterpiece created by father Karel and son Libor Šedin, who come from a five-generation family of nativity carvers. They have been carving the nativity from linden wood since 2016 and continue to expand it with new scenes. The work measures over six metres in length and features more than two hundred figures, each 20–30 cm tall — it is the only Passion nativity of this scale in the Czech Republic and one of the largest in the world (approximately the fifth largest). The nativity depicts the final fifty days of Jesus Christ's life: from his triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday through the Last Supper, Judas's betrayal, the Garden of Gethsemane, fourteen (or fifteen) stations of the Cross, crucifixion, entombment, and resurrection. The scenes are divided into two sections — the right side shows events from Palm Sunday to Jesus's condemnation, while the left depicts the Stations of the Cross. The composition is adorned with figures of Roman soldiers, palms in the Garden of Gethsemane, servants of the high priest Caiaphas, and torch-bearers. Visitors can enjoy guided tours with commentary directly from the creators. The nativity is displayed in the garage of the family villa at U Stadionu 356 in Bechyně, open daily from 28 March to 31 October, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is by voluntary donation.