Here is the oldest preserved Krakow Christmas crib by Michał Ezenekier, a master bricklayer and tiler from Krowodrza. Why is it so unique? Christmas cribs or tiny buildings with the birth of Jesus scene arranged inside are known as a carolling prop in all parts of Poland. In Krakow, though, the Christmas crib gained its own history and unique form referring to the local architecture. In the 19th century, bricklayers from suburbs and villages near Krakow were looking for sources of income when the construction work stopped for the winter. They built Christmas cribs as props alongside carollers at the Krakow Main Square. Small cribs were to be sold while larger ones served as portable stages and it was possible to order a performance in your own home. Christmas-related characters were in each set of puppets: the angel waking up the shepherds, the Three Magi, King Herod, the Devil, Death and also figures from Krakow's streets and squares. In addition to the townsfolk, there were inhabitants of rural areas near Krakow in the colourful outfits that they wore on Sunday to visit their parish church, St. Mary’s Basilica at the Krakow Main Square. The spires of that church are the most recognisable motif in the Krakow cribs to this day.