Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem
كنيسة المهد
A UNESCO World Heritage church in Bethlehem, traditionally identified as the birthplace of Jesus. It is a classic half-day trip from Jerusalem.
The Church of the Nativity is located in Bethlehem on the West Bank, about 10 km from Jerusalem. It was first built by Constantine in the 4th century and rebuilt by Justinian in the 6th century. It is one of the oldest churches still in use and was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2012. Visitors must bend down to pass through the low Door of Humility to enter. In the underground Grotto of the Nativity, a silver star marks the spot where Jesus is said to have been born. Queues of an hour or more are common. Foreign visitors can take Bus 231 or travel via the Checkpoint 300, and must carry their passport.
Opening hours
Approx. 06:30–19:00 (closes earlier in winter)
Nearby sights
- Jerusalem Biblical Zoo
- Haas Promenade (Armon HaNatziv)
- The First Station
- L. A. Mayer Museum for Islamic Art
- Monastery of the Holy Cross
- Israel Museum
- Yemin Moshe & Montefiore Windmill
- Cenacle & King David's Tomb