Church of the Nativity (Bethlehem), Jerusalem

Church of the Nativity (Bethlehem), Jerusalem (must see)

Standing tall and formidable, the Church of the Nativity commands attention from its perch in Manger Square, Bethlehem's historic heart. Its claim to fame as the birthplace of Jesus Christ traces back to a tumultuous past, marked by Roman paganism, Byzantine grandeur, and Crusader expansion. Legend has it that Emperor Hadrian's shrine to Adonis once overshadowed the sacred Grotto of the Nativity, until Saint Helena, Constantine's mother, unearthed the hallowed site in the 4th century. This discovery led to the construction of the original church in 339 AD, a structure that has since undergone Byzantine reconstruction and Crusader-era embellishments.

Inside, a delicate balance prevails among the Greek Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox, and Roman Catholic factions, each asserting rights over the revered sanctuary. Yet, this harmony belies a turbulent history marked by violent disputes, including the infamous Crimean War. More recently, in 2002, amidst a siege by Israeli forces, the church offered refuge to over 200 Palestinians.

The humble entrance, known as the Door of Humility, bears witness to centuries of architectural evolution, its lowered stature a relic of past military strategies. The interior reveals a sanctuary adorned with golden columns and ancient mosaics, relics of Constantine's original vision. Beneath the oak-clad ceiling lies the Grotto of the Nativity, a sacred enclave where a silver star marks the exact spot of Christ's birth. Amidst the flicker of lamps, a sense of reverence permeates the air, a reminder of the enduring significance of this sacred site.

Descending into the Chapel of the Manger unveils the scene of Christ's birth, immortalized in marble and paintings. Here, amidst echoes of ancient prophecy, visitors pay homage to the humble beginnings of Christianity's central figure.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Jerusalem. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Church of the Nativity (Bethlehem) on Map

Sight Name: Church of the Nativity (Bethlehem)
Sight Location: Jerusalem, Israel (See walking tours in Jerusalem)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Jerusalem, Israel

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Create Your Own Walk in Jerusalem

Creating your own self-guided walk in Jerusalem is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Mount Zion Walking Tour

Mount Zion Walking Tour

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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Following Steps of Jesus Walking Tour

Following Steps of Jesus Walking Tour

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Armenian Quarter Walking Tour

Armenian Quarter Walking Tour

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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
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Muslim Quarter & Temple Mount Tour

Muslim Quarter & Temple Mount Tour

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Jewish Quarter Walking Tour

Jewish Quarter Walking Tour

Entirely rebuilt in the 1980s after having been largely destroyed during the 1948 War, the Jewish Quarter is quite distinct from the rest of the Old City. Good signposting, spacious passageways, art galleries and a somewhat less buzzing atmosphere make the area a relaxing place to spend some time.

With its rebuilt residential buildings, some almost consider this area the "New...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Christian Quarter Walking Tour

Christian Quarter Walking Tour

One of the epicenters of worldwide Christianity, the Christian Quarter is the 2nd-largest of Jerusalem’s four ancient quarters. A fascinating place to stroll through, it covers the Old City’s northwestern part, just beyond Jaffa Gate – the traditional pilgrim’s entrance to Jerusalem and a prime destination for most visitors.

With its tangle of broad streets and winding, narrow alleys,...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles

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