While in Britain it’s Father Christmas we expect to be making his way down our chimneys, in Italy, it’s La Befana. According to Italian folklore, La Befana is an old lady covered in soot on a broom stick who brings presents for children who have behaved themselves. Unlike Father Christmas, whose arrival immediately precedes Christmas Day, La Befana boards her broomstick on 5th January, or the La Festa dell’Epifania (Epiphany). For those who haven’t been on their best behaviour, La Befana leaves a lump of coal by the fireplace, or, in areas such as Sicily, a twig.

La Befana often had something lovely to look at upon her arrival in Italy though, as fireplaces inspired by Greek and Roman architecture became fashionable during the Renaissance period. Having an ornately designed fireplace was one of the ways for Italian families to show their wealth and stature. An elaborate mantel with wide columns, figures carved into the marble or even architectural mouldings could make a grand statement.

Luckily for La Befana fireplaces remain at the heart of many Italian homes. So whether she is taking the long route down one of the many lofty towers of San Gimignano, or clambering through a truncated cone-shaped chimney in Venice, there are still plenty of fireplaces for her to park her broomstick next to.

Our selection of beautiful Italian fireplaces will all offer a warm welcome to La Befana next month. Let's hope she brings gifts rather than coal...