Church of St. Catherine (Bethlehem), Jerusalem

Church of St. Catherine (Bethlehem), Jerusalem

Joined to the Church of the Nativity, the Roman Catholic Church of Saint Catherine adds another layer to Bethlehem's sacred tapestry. Constructed in 1881, it incorporates remnants of Crusader architecture unearthed during its creation. Here, amidst the solemnity of its walls, the faithful gather to honor Saint Catherine of Alexandria, to whom Christ is said to have appeared.

A highlight of the church's calendar is the Christmas Eve Midnight Mass, broadcast to viewers around the globe. Equally worth watching is the daily procession of Franciscan Fathers, a timeless ritual that draws observers at noon (or 1 PM during daylight saving).

Descending medieval stairs from the church, visitors are transported into a labyrinth of caves and tombs, intricately linked to the Grotto of the Nativity. While access between the two is restricted, the subterranean complex offers a glimpse into biblical history and lore. At its heart lies the main altar dedicated to Saint Joseph, guardian of the infant Jesus. Here, amidst flickering candlelight, pilgrims pay homage to the saint who heeded the angel's warning, leading the Holy Family to safety in Egypt.

Nearby, the Chapel of the Innocents stands as a solemn tribute to the lives lost in Herod's ruthless pursuit of power, while further within, the tomb and statues of Saint Jerome, a revered Dalmatian priest, serve as testament to his monumental Old Testament translation.

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 St. Catherine (Bethlehem) on Map

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

Walking Tours in Jerusalem, Israel

Create Your Own Walk in Jerusalem

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.
Jerusalem Old City Walking Tour

Jerusalem Old City Walking Tour

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981, the Old City of Jerusalem is best explored on foot, since its narrow streets and alleys make it almost an entirely vehicle-free zone. In addition to hosting four ethnic quarters, – Jewish, Muslim, Christian and Armenian – it is packed with major historical and religious sites, which all make a trip here unique, unforgettable and not to be missed.

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Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.0 Km or 3.1 Miles
Mount Zion Walking Tour

Mount Zion Walking Tour

For those interested in religion and history, Mount Zion offers several unique sights that are situated in close proximity to each other. An important place for Christians, Jews as well as Muslims, it holds important constructions dating from the 20th century as well as a compound built by the Crusaders that marks the spot of both King David’s tomb and the Room of the Last Supper. How...  view more

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

Considered for centuries to be the center of the universe, Jerusalem is where the most famous figure in history, Jesus of Nazareth, fulfilled his divine mission by carrying a cross from the place of Pontius Pilate’s sentencing to Golgotha where he was crucified. This self-guided tour will retrace the steps of Jesus, allowing you to see what many consider some of the holiest places on our planet....  view more

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

Bethlehem Walking Tour

Perched on a hill at the edge of the Judaean Desert, Bethlehem has been known to the world, for more than two millennia, as the birthplace of Jesus Christ. The “star of Bethlehem” as well as Christmas carols and hymns are firmly associated with this ancient city in the West Bank, Palestine, and thus, for some visitors, the bustle of a modern city may come as a surprise.

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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 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
Mount Scopus Walking Tour

Mount Scopus Walking Tour

Dotted with many sightseeing places, Mount Scopus – translating as the “Observation Mount” from Greek – is a great place to get views over the whole Old City of Jerusalem on a nice day. The mount has been of major strategic importance since Roman times, with forces setting up camp here prior to laying the siege that culminated in the final Roman victory over Jerusalem around 70 AD....  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles

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