The Fontanini tradition dates back to the late 1800s when company founder Emanuele Fontanini began creating creche figures in the little town of Bagni di Lucca located in Tuscany, Italy. He opened his first shop in 1908, and the company has remained a family business ever since. Today, it is run by Emanuele's great-grandchildren. Fontanini nativity sets are enduringly popular because of their beauty, details, and durability. Each new figurine or nativity set piece is created as part of an artistic process that can take up to two years to complete