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Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem

4.3

#1 of 114 in Things to do in Palestinian Territories

Religious Site Historic Site Must See

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Make a pilgrimage to Church of the Nativity along with the many visitors to this World Heritage Site and Christian holy site that's believed to stand over the cave where Jesus Christ was born. The emperor Constantine originally built this church in the 4th century CE. Some elements of his original temple, like the pink columns of polished limestone, remain, though most of the church as it stands today originated in the Justinian reconstruction of the 6th century. Whiles there, walk through the door of humility, small enough to force everyone to dismount their horses upon entry, and down the steps to the grotto where believers say Mary gave birth to Jesus Christ. To visit Church of the Nativity on your trip to Bethlehem, use our Bethlehem road trip site .

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Church of the Nativity Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

2,220 reviews

Google

4.7

• By Archaeobuff

  Substantial parts of the walls behind the altar were under renovation when I was there. But the Church is very ancient and well worth a visit. It was built by the Byzantine emperor Justinian in the 6t...  more »

• By AJ S

  The Church inside looks spectacular- unbelievable number of paintings, statues and other pieces of art. Not to mention the spirit inside. Too bad, our tour allocated just a few hours in Palestine. How...  more »

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Google

• By Chris Bowen

  Great church. Large square out front. There was an original church with Mosaic floors that can be seen in some places. This was destroyed by Samaritans, then the crusaders set up a church there and they got run out. Last it was revolt by the Ottomans. You can see parts from each period. Good shops across the street and cafes. Excellent wood carving store with everything made from Olive wood. Masses are held in the church but they are all in Arabic. People still have baptisms, funerals, weddings, etc. Above Jesus' birth cave. Long line to get into the cave but with certain registered guides you can enter in reverse and bypass the line. There is a silver Star on the floor under the altar in the cave which is supposed to be the birth site. Then opposite that wall is the manger (stone trough) where baby Jesus was laid.

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• By Emmanuel Sampson

  Church of Nativity is a must visit as it houses the birthplace of Christ. A little bit closer to Palestine than Israel but the site is beautiful and the house is designed in gold and shiny materials which lots up the arena.

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