Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route, Bethlehem in Palestinian Territory

Facts and Data

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 2012
Size of heritage: 2.98 ha
- Buffer zone: 23 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 35,208°
Latitude: 31,704°

Summary

The inscribed property is situated 10 km south of Jerusalem on the site identified by Christian tradition as the birthplace of Jesus since the 2nd century. A church was first completed there in ad 339 and the edifice that replaced it after a fire in the 6th century retains elaborate floor mosaics from the original building. The site also includes Latin, Greek Orthodox, Franciscan and Armenian convents and churches, as well as bell towers, terraced gardens and a pilgrimage route.

Location on Map

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Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route, Bethlehem

The Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Bethlehem, Palestinian Territory. It holds immense religious and historical significance as the birthplace of Jesus Christ, making it a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists from around the world.

History

The Church of the Nativity, built in the 4th century AD, stands on the site believed to be the birthplace of Jesus. It was commissioned by Emperor Constantine and his mother, Helena, who were devout Christians. The church has undergone several renovations and additions over the centuries, but its original structure and layout have been largely preserved.

The church complex includes the Grotto of the Nativity, a small underground cave where Jesus is said to have been born. This grotto is adorned with beautiful mosaics and is a focal point for pilgrims who come to pay homage to the birth of Jesus. The church also houses the Altar of the Nativity, which marks the exact spot of Jesus' birth.

The Pilgrimage Route, which leads to the Church of the Nativity, is an integral part of the site. It follows the traditional path taken by Christian pilgrims for centuries and is lined with historic buildings, monasteries, and chapels. The route is a testament to the enduring religious significance of Bethlehem and its connection to the birth of Jesus.

Current State

The Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route face various challenges due to their location in the Palestinian Territory. Political tensions and conflicts in the region have impacted the site's accessibility and preservation efforts. However, UNESCO and local authorities have been working together to ensure the safeguarding and conservation of this important heritage site.

Efforts have been made to restore and maintain the church complex, including the conservation of its architectural elements and the preservation of the mosaics and artwork within. The Pilgrimage Route has also been restored to its original condition, allowing visitors to experience the historical journey taken by pilgrims for centuries.

Despite the challenges, the Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route continue to attract a significant number of visitors each year. Pilgrims and tourists come to experience the spiritual and historical significance of the site, as well as to witness the vibrant cultural traditions of Bethlehem.

Address
Distance: 4,3 mi
4a Lloyd George St.
93110 Jerusalem
Palestinian Territory

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed

Videos from the area

Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem - the grotto. The place where Jesus was born February 2015

Published: February 20, 2015
Length: 03:50 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: Zahi Shaked. Israeli tour guide צחי שקד. מורה

Zahi Shaked A tour guide in Israel and his camera zahigo25@walla.com +972-54-6905522 tel סיור עם מורה הדרך ומדריך הטיולים צחי שקד 0546905522 My name is Zahi...

Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem - The icon of smiling Mary (Theotokos of Bethlehem)

Published: February 20, 2015
Length: 55:58 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: Zahi Shaked. Israeli tour guide צחי שקד. מורה

Zahi Shaked A tour guide in Israel and his camera zahigo25@walla.com +972-54-6905522 tel סיור עם מורה הדרך ומדריך הטיולים צחי שקד 0546905522 My name is Zahi...

Peregrinación a Tierra Santa 2014 - Belén

Published: December 25, 2014
Length: 37:17 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: Trinity Travel

Video de fotos tomadas por el Padre Miguel Ángel Ciaurriz durante la visita a la ciudad de Belén por miembros de la Parroquia de San Lucas Evangelista en su peregrinación a Tierra Santa...

Basílica de la Natividad

Published: September 07, 2014
Length: 04:42 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: Trinity Travel

La Basílica de la Natividad, en Belén, es uno de los templos cristianos en uso más antiguos. Fue construida sobre la cueva, más conocida como portal de Belén, donde tradicionalmente se...

Greek Orthodox ceremony - Church of the Nativity (the place where Jesus was born). George Saadeh

Published: April 05, 2015
Length: 40:29 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: Zahi Shaked. Israeli tour guide צחי שקד. מורה

Zahi Shaked A tour guide in Israel and his camera zahigo25@walla.com +972-54-6905522 tel סיור עם מורה הדרך ומדריך הטיולים צחי שקד 0546905522 My name is Zahi...

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Damascus International Airport
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