Church of the Nativity

The Church of the Nativity in a church in Bethlehem. It is one of the oldest churches in the world. It is built over the cave that marks as the birthplace of Jesus. It is considered very sacred to Christians, Jews and Muslims.

The main basilica is maintained by the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem. Underneath the building is a cave or grotto. It is where Jesus is said to have been born. On Christmas Eve, crowds gather to sing Christmas carols outside the church in an area called Manger Square. The crowds also go to celebrate midnight mass at the Church of Saint Catherine, a Roman Catholic church next door to the basilica. It is performed by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem.

The basilica has been reported to be not very well preserved. The Palestinian government started restoring the buildings in 2010. It was made a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in June 2012. It is the first World Heritage Site listed under Palestine. It was listed as being in danger.

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R. Man
8 January 2011
If you are a small group, 5 or less people go to the left side of the greek alter and ask the Palestinian police officer to let you in from the EXIT. Sometimes it works. Enjoy
Kyriakos G. ???? ????
19 November 2017
So much pilgrims! The queue inside was gigantic. If you can find a way to bypass the queue, do it firmly! Nice garden in the backyard!
William Ng
4 May 2019
Come early to be at the head of the line to go down to the grotto (in the Greek Orthodox part). Manger on the left, and the spot Jesus was born on the right (marked with a 14-point silver star).
The White House
24 March 2013
President Obama toured the crypt containing the birthplace of Jesus during his visit to the Church of the Nativity.
Angeline Teoh
9 December 2019
This is the oldest church standing in Israel. They are still excavating many areas in the church as there are remains of old buildings during the bezantine and crusaders era
Olga ????????
20 October 2021
Христианская церковь в Вифлееме, построенная, согласно преданию, над местом рождения Иисуса Христа. Наряду с храмом Гроба Господня является одним из двух главных христианских храмов  Святой земли.
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