Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem
The Church of the Nativity is a significant religious site located in Bethlehem. It’s considered one of the oldest surviving Christian churches, traditionally believed to be built over the birthplace of Jesus.
Historical Background
The church’s construction is traditionally attributed to Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine. She traveled to the Holy Land in the early 4th century and ordered the construction of several Christian sites, including what would become the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. The Byzantine-era emperor Justinian expanded the church in the sixth century, and later the Crusaders resptored it.
Exploring the Church
The entry into the church is through a small and low doorway, aptly called the ‘Door of Humility.’ The monks installed it to prevent Ottoman horseman from entering the holy site. Inside, deemed light softly illuminates the church’s main hall. Some of its columns are decorated with Crusader-era frescoes of saints. The focal point of the church is the Grotto of the Nativity, a crypt marking the spot of Jesus’ birth next to a manger.
Touring the Church of Nativity
Bethlehem is under Palestinian control since 1996 and reaching it from Jerusalem requires presetting a guide and a driver. The church is open every day of the week except Sunday morning. The maintenance and liturgical schedule of each order is zealously following the ‘status quo’ document established in 1852.
A visit to the church of Nativity can be combined with a day tour of Bethlehem and Jerusalem.
