Church of the Nativity
The Church of the Nativity is one of the oldest working churches in existence today. The first Church was built by the Roman Emperor Constantine in the 4th century AD, over the grotto where Mary gave birth to Jesus. Constantine and his mother, Helena, built a magnificent and majestic church adorned with beautiful marble and mosaics.
Later, during the 6th century, the Byzantine emperor Justinian built a new and even more intricate church on the same spot. During the Persian invasion in the 7th century, the church was spared destruction. By the 11th century, the Crusaders raised their flag above the Basilica of the Nativity and renovated it.
The main entrance to the Church of the Nativity was gradually made lower and narrower in order to protect it from invaders. Two sets of stairs lead down to the Grotto of the Nativity where a fourteen point silver star marks the exact spot of Jesus’ birth. An inscription on the star states: Hic de Virgin Maria Jesus Christus Natus Est – meaning “Here Jesus Christ was born to the Virgin Mary.” The actual guardianship of the Church is shared by three Christian denominations: Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Armenian.
Opening Hours: Summer (April – September) 6:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m., Winter (October – March) 5:30 a.m. –5:00p.m.
Note: Sunday morning the Church is open for Holy Mass. Grotto is closed on Sunday morning and opens in the afternoon.
Location: Manger Square, Bethlehem
2. Saint Catherine’s Church
Saint Catherine’s Church is a Franciscan monastery located within the compound of the Church of the Nativity. It is said to be built on the site of Christ’s appearance to St. Catherine of Alexandria and his prediction of her martyrdom at the beginning of the 4th century.
The present Monastery, rebuilt in 1882 with the financial help of the Emperor of Austria, incorporates the remains of the 5th century sanctuary of St. Jerome and parts of the 12th century Crusader Church. In 1948, the church was restored again by the famous architect Antonio Barluzzi.
In 2000, a colorful stained glass window depicting a scene of the Nativity was installed above the main altar. In the summer of 2013, the Church became more spacious after its main altar was relocated. Thanks to this change, more believers can attend the Christmas Eve Mass on the night of the 24th of December, which is broadcast around the world every year.
Opening Hours: Summer(April – September): Mon. - Sat. 6:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.; Winter(October – March):Mon. - Sat. 5:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Note: The Sunday masses take place at 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., and 11:00 a.m. in St. Catherine’s Church and are usually held in Arabic.
Location: Manger Square. Bethlehem
Contact: The Latin Parish in Bethlehem
Tel: 02 - 274 2440
E-mail: pscbet@palnet.com or pastorvioice@hotmail.com
3. Manger Square
Manger Square, located in the center of Bethlehem, is known as an important city square. It takes its name from the “manger” where Jesus was laid after his birth, according to Christian belief.
The Church of the Nativity, Mosque of Omar, Peace Center, and multiple souvenir shops are located around the Square. On the right side of the Mosque of Omar, lies the Bethlehem Municipality that was established in 1872.
During the Ottoman period, the Square acted as a market where the people gathered to sell their fruits, vegetables, and livestock. In 1929, the old market was relocated to its present location in the middle of the Old City. Between 1998 and 2000, the Square was renovated.
Currently, Manger Square is considered an important cultural and social spot. Different events, exhibitions, concerts, and gatherings are organized there.
4. Mosque of Omar
The Mosque of Omar, located at the corner of Paul VI Street and Manger Square, was built in 1860 in honor of Caliph Omar Ibn Al-Khattab, who in the 7th century conquered the Byzantine Empire. The Caliph prayed in the southern aisle of the Basilica of the Nativity, however, in the Pact of Omar, he decreed that the Basilica would remain a Christian place of worship. The document stipulated that Muslims would be allowed to pray there only individually and prohibited the call to prayer (al-Adhan) from being made from the church walls.
The Mosque was originally a small and modest building; however, in 1953 the Jordanian government sponsored renovations. Again in 2004, the Emirati Association reconstructed the Mosque after it was damaged during the Second Intifada (2000 - 2005).
Opening Hours: Every day from 4:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. (except during prayer times)
Location: Manger Square, Bethlehem
5. Bethlehem Peace Center
Located in Manger Square, the Bethlehem Peace Center is a cultural center that offers many services to different sectors of the society. It houses a Tourist Information Center, a book and gift store, and holds cultural activities.
Opening Hours: Mon. - Sat.9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location: Manger Square, Bethlehem
Tel: 02 - 276 6677
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6. Chapel of the Milk Grotto
“Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under [...].” (Matt. 2:16)
The Milk Grotto is said to be the place where the Holy Family found their refuge during the Massacre of the Innocents, before they could flee into Egypt.
The Grotto's name comes from the belief that a drop of the Virgin Mary's milk fell down onto the floor of the cave and changed its color to milky-white. For ages, childless woman of many religions have visited the Milk Grotto in order to ask for the gift of offspring. They usually take with them a piece of the Grotto’s white rock that is believed to have magical power.
A Byzantine Church was built over the Grotto in the 5th century. Remnants of a colorful mosaic floor from that time can be seen in the courtyard of the present chapel, which was constructed around the Grotto by the Franciscan Brothers in 1872. The flat sculpture decorating the Chapel’s facade since 1935 is a fine example of local craftsmanship.
Opening Hours:
Summer (April – September): Every day from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Winter (October – March): Every day from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Milk Grotto Street, Bethlehem
Tel: 02 - 274 3867
7. Al Bad Museum
The Al Bad Museum for Olive Oil Production, also known as the Badd Giacaman Museum is located in the heart of the Old City of Bethlehem in a traditional building that dates back to the 18th–19th century.
The Museum is a project of the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. It was renovated by the Department of Antiquities, in coordination with the UNDP and the Greek Orthodox Society between 1998 and 2000. In 2014, the building was restored again with help of the French Consulate of Jerusalem.
The Museum houses a collection of ethnographic and archaeological artifacts depicting the process of olive oil production. The exhibits demonstrate the use of olive oil for lamps, medicine, food, soap, and cosmetics, among many other things.
Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday & Saturday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Fawagreh Street, Bethlehem
Tel: 02 - 274 1583
8. Syriac Orthodox Church of theVirgin Mary
According to Syriac tradition, the Syriac Church was established as a congregation by the Apostle Peter in 37 AD (Acts 11:26).
The Syriac Orthodox Church of the Virgin Mary, constructed in 1922 in the Old City, is one of the most beautiful Christian sanctuaries built in Bethlehem during the Ottoman period. It is a parish church for the Syriac Christians who came to Bethlehem in the 19th century. They settled in the Syriac Quarter or Hawsh Syrian - named after the community - currently located behind the Church. The frescos inside the sanctuary depict different saints and stories from the Holy Bible.
Location: Al-Manara Square, Bethlehem
Contact: Parish Priest - Fr. Peter
Tel: 0525 070 315
9. Al-Souq - Vegetable Market
Bethlehem’s Souq is a typical Middle Eastern bazaar where a person can find fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, and local sweets. The Souq extends almost the entire length of Fawagreh Street in the Old City of Bethlehem. Walking through the market offers a glimpse into the town’s daily life. Some highlights of the Souq are the elder peasant women wearing traditionally embroidered Palestinian thobes. They come to Bethlehem from the surrounding villages to sell the produce from their own land. The produce and products available depend on the season.
Note: The Souq is closed on Fridays. Saturdays are the most crowded days.
10. Star Street
Star Street begins at the site of King David’s Wells and leads through the historic quarters of Bethlehem and under the Qaus Al-Zarrara (Zarrara Arch, also called the Damascus Gate), to merge at Al-Manara Square with Pope Paul VI Street and continue towards Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity.
The path is believed to be the route which Joseph and Mary took to approach the Grotto of the Nativity. The same journey is repeated every year during the Christmas festivities. On December 24th, January 6th, and January 18th, patriarchs of various Christian denominations, preceded by scout troupes and officials, follow the street towards the Church of the Nativity to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem.
On June 29, 2012, together with the Church of the Nativity, Star Street was inscribed on the UNESCO List as a World Heritage Site under the name “Birthplace of Jesus, Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route.”
11. Qaus Al-Zarrara
Qaus Al-Zarrara (Zarrara Arch) is located on Star Street, just before the sharp turn left that leads to Manger Square.
It is assumed that Qaus Al-Zarrara used to be one of the main gates of Bethlehem’s old city center, as it is shown on many ancient lithographs (dating from the 16th - 17th centuries). Old paintings call it the Damascus Gate.
Al-Zarrara means a spot where someone is trapped or more precisely - cornered. One legend says that the arch was a place where local rebels who fought against the Ottoman Army cornered the soldiers. Another version of this story says that it was an internal fight between different family clans. Yet another story says that they were angry wasps sent by the Virgin Mary that cornered people who wanted to loot the Church of the Nativity.
The arch’s architecture is rather complex. It consists of two cross vaults whose height permitted a camel with a load to pass under. Above the arch is a two-storey residential building with two windows overlooking the street.
12. Salesian Convent and Church
The Salesians of Don Bosco came to Bethlehem in 1891, after a call from Fr. Antonio Belloni, a priest of the Latin Patriarchate, who in 1863 founded a “Catholic Orphanage” for boys. They founded a convent dedicated to “the Sacred Heart of Jesus” and a Technical School that aimed to educate the orphans for professions. There followed in 2005 the establishment of the Salesian Artistic Center, a vocational and professional training center that serves youth across all sectors of the community. Visitors can observe young artisans creating olive wood, ceramic, and mother of pearl souvenirs.
Opening Hours: Every Sunday Mass at 8:30 am, special visits in other days should be booked.
Tel 02 – 274 2421
13. Lutheran Christmas Church (Christian Sites)
The Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church has functioned in Bethlehem since 1893. It was designed by a well-known German architect who aimed to incorporate the traditions of Bethlehem into the building. For example, he decided that the steeple of the church, with its conical shape, would resemble the traditional hat of women in Bethlehem from the 19th century. During the construction process, the architect was astonished at the precision and fine-quality of work of the Palestinian stone cutters.
The Church has outstanding stained glass windows depicting various Biblical images, which came to Bethlehem from the Emperor Stained Glass Factory in Germany. The bells of the Church tower were donated by Emperor Wilhelm II of Germany and the Church’s organ was manufactured in Berlin, around 1890.
Opening hours: Every day from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Pope Paul VI Street, Bethlehem
Tel: 02 2770047
14. Greek Catholic Melkite Church
The Greek Catholic Melkite Church or as it is know in Greek ‘The Theotokos’ is located on Star Street in the Old City of Bethlehem and was built in 1956. During his visit to Bethlehem in 1964, Pope Paul VI donated a precious library to the Church. Within the compound of the Monastery, there is also a cultural and social center.
Location: Star Street, Bethlehem
Tel: 02 - 274 2493
15. King David’s Wells
David longed for water and said, "Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!" So the three mighty warriors broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out before the Lord. “Far be it from me, Lord, to do this!” he said. “Is it not the blood of men who went at the risk of their lives?” And David would not drink it. (2 Samuel 23:15-17, NIV).
King David’s Wells are three water cisterns located within the grounds of the Catholic Action Center, just a few minutes walk from the Church of the Nativity. The wells, which are still in use, are related to the place where David's soldiers broke through the Philistine lines in order to fetch him drinking water. When they returned to the Cave of Adullam, where the king and his followers were hiding, the king declined to drink from the water which his soldiers risked their lives to retrieve.
In 1895, remains of a mosaic from a Byzantine church and an underground monks’ cemetery were discovered just beyond the cisterns.
Opening hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Star Street, King David’s Roundabout, Bethlehem
Tel: 02 – 274 3277
16. Carmelite Convent and Sacred Heart Fathers Monastery
On August 20, 1875, ten Carmelite Sisters left their convent in Pau, France and traveled to Bethlehem, where they wished to built a new Carmelite Convent. Among them was a native of Palestine - Mariam Baouardy, St. Mary of Jesus Crucified, who chose the location of the convent on the Hill of David that faces the hill upon which the Church of the Nativity stands. She wanted the altar of the new Carmelite Convent to be located above the ‘Grotto of David’, where according to her, David received the royal anointing from Prophet Samuel. Currently the cave serves as a tomb for the Sisters.
Berthe Dartigaux, who accompanied the Sisters on their voyage, sponsored the Church and in May 1879 returned to Bethlehem to live with the community. The foundation stone was laid in 1876 and the Convent was inaugurated a couple of months later, while work on the building continued. St. Mariam died in 1878, before its completion.
The Carmelite Sisters live in seclusion. They spend their days in prayer, adoration, and meditation. They also take care of their beautiful gardens and create handmade works.
In the same complex is the Betharram Monastery of the Sacred Heart Fathers, which was built in 1878. The Convent also has a hospice where guests can stay.
Note: The sisters are more than happy to welcome visitors before 5:00 pm.
Location: Jamal Abdel Nasser Street, Bethlehem
Carmelite Convent – Tel: 02-2742486
Betharram Monastery – Tel: 02-2741696
17. Rachel’s Tomb
“So Rachel died, and she was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem), and Jacob set up a pillar over her tomb. It is the pillar of Rachel's tomb, which is there to this day.” (Genesis 35: 19-20)
The Book of Genesis records Rachel as being buried on the way to Bethlehem by her husband Jacob, who marked her grave with a pillar. Since then, the Tomb of Rachel has been an important pilgrimage site and is venerated by Jews, Christians, and Muslims.
Both Eusebius and the ‘Pilgrim of Bordeaux’ mention the existence of the Tomb in their writings from the 4th century.
Through the years of its existence, the building has gone through various alterations. During the Crusader period, a cupola supported by twelve arches was built over the Tomb. The present shrine was built in 1620 and has undergone multiple restorations since that time. In the 19th century, British Jewish banker and philanthropist, Moses Montefiore, added two rooms to the primitive square vestibule which gives the Tomb its present appearance. The grave is covered by a large rock and eleven stones resting upon it, which signify the eleven sons of Jacob still alive upon their mother’s death.
The shrine is located within a Muslim cemetery, and for the Muslims it is known as Bilal Bin Rabah Mosque.
Opening Hours: Sun. - Thurs. 12:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.; Thursday night: open all night; Fri. - Sat.: Closed 3 hours before the sunset on Friday and opens again one hour after the sun set on Saturday (Shabbat)
Note: Access to the Tomb is only granted to vehicles; the police forbid anyone from entering on foot.
18. Catholic Site at Shepherds’ Fields
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” (Luke 2:8-10)
Shepherds’ Fields are associated with the place where the angel Gabriel appeared to the shepherds and informed them of Jesus’ birth.
The Roman Catholic Church at the Shepherds’ Fields is located in Beit Sahour, in an area known in Arabic as Siyar el-Ghanam, meaning ‘sheep’s croft.’ On the site there are three underground caves and the archeological ruins of an olive press, stables, and a Byzantine monastery, that was probably destroyed in 614AD by the Persians.
In 1950, a modern Church designed by the Italian architect Antonio Barluzzi was built on the site. The Monastery aims to resemble shepherd’s tent with its shape.
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 8:00 am – 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Tel: 02 - 274 2425
19. Herodion
Located 10km east of Bethlehem, are the remains of the magnificent palace of Herod the Great, the Herodion. Named after its builder, Herod, the palace was built in the end of the 1st century BC as a fortified castle with the palace inside. The Arabic name, Jabal Al Freidees is derived from the Arabic word “fardous” a word referring to the magnificent garden that was built at the foot of the hill. The Herodion was a lavish and luxurious palace in its day, with a city of round walls and a fort enclosing apartments, baths, and a beautiful garden.
The mountain on which the Herodion sits rises 758 meters above sea level and overlooks both Bethlehem and Jerusalem, along with a dominating view of the Dead Sea and the Judean Wilderness.
The site is known as one of Herod the Great’s most ambitious building projects. At the base of the hill, known as Lower Herodion, excavations have uncovered many remains such as the pool complex featuring a large uncovered pool that was actually fed by the aqueduct from the village of Artas near Solomon’s Pools. Also found were the remains of three Byzantine churches. Secret tunnels used for escape in case of danger were also uncovered. Complete bathrooms dating to the Roman times, churches, buildings, and other archaeological remains of successive eras, particularly the Byzantine, were also found.
Opening Hours: Sat. – Thur. 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; the site closes one hour earlier during winter.
20. St. Theodosius Monastery
“And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.” (Matthew 2:12)
The Monastery of St. Theodosius (also known in Arabic as Deir Dosi) is located about 12 km east of Bethlehem. Founded by St. Theodosius, originally from Cappadocia, in 465 AD, the Monastery stands above a cave where the three Wise Men are believed to have rested on their way back from visiting the infant Jesus in Bethlehem.
The original Monastery was destroyed during the Persian invasion, however between the 11th and 12th centuries the Monastery flourished again. Later on, during the 15th century the Monastery was abandoned. It was restored at the end of the 19th century by the Greek Orthodox Church and encompasses the remains of an old Crusader building. The Byzantine remains can be seen in the courtyard. A white-walled cave marks the place where the founder, St. Theodosius is buried.
Opening Hours: All year long, 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Tel: 050 282 447
21. St. George’s Church in Al-Khader
Monastery of Saint George, at the western end of the village of Al-Khader has become a place of pilgrimage for Muslims and Christians alike. Al-Khader (literally, ‘the green one’) is something of a magical figure in Islamic folklore. He is a benevolent spirit who travels the world dispensing justice and good advice. St. George is merely one human manifestation of Al-Khader (the Old Testament prophet Elijah is another), and St. George’s defeat of the dragon and the rescue of the damsel in distress are typical of Al-Khader’s style. For this reason, all Christian churches dedicated to St. George are also venerated by Muslims as sites associated with Al-Khader.
The present Church, constructed in 1912, is built over the ruins of a 16th century chapel located on the spot where St. George was supposed to have lived for part of his life. Little of this original chapel has survived. The modern edifice has a typically Greek Orthodox interior, with a highly decorated ceiling and walls and a portrait of Christ Pantocrator in the dome. In both Christian and Muslim traditions, St. George is associated with healing the sick, and during the Ottoman Era some of the rooms in the convent were used to house the mentally ill.
22. Mar Saba Monastery
This Greek Orthodox Monastery, located only 15 km from Bethlehem, is named after Saint Saba (439-532 CE) who settled in a cave opposite the actual site of the Monastery, in complete seclusion that lasted 5 years.
Few of the Byzantine desert monasteries can match the serenity and beauty of this place. Clinging to the cliff face of the Kidron Valley, this immense and spectacular Church evokes a thrilling shock when it first comes into view in the midst of a desert landscape. The Monastery was built in 484 AD by 5000 monks, followers of St. Saba (Mar Saba in Arabic). The Monastery contains two churches - the first is dedicated to St. Nicolas and was built in 491 AD, and the second main church is dedicated to honor the Annunciation of the Mother of God in 502 AD.
The body of Saint Saba can be seen in the main church, while his tomb is paved in the courtyard outside.
Although Mar Saba is reputed for its hospitality to strangers, women have never been allowed to enter. Hence they can enjoy a glimpse of the chapel and building from a nearby two storey tower known as the Women’s Tower.
There are memorable hiking opportunities in the area surrounding Mar Saba.
Opening Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; except Wednesdays and Fridays
Note: Only men are allowed to enter the Monastery. Women may observe it from the “Women’s Tower” nearby.
Tel: 277 3135