Bethlehem and the Basilica of the Nativity

The historic center of Bethlehem is located at an elevation of over 800 meters and was built around the area traditionally recognized as the birthplace of Jesus. Today it hosts numerous sites that belong to various churches and mosques.

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Since the time of the Crusaders, the Basilica of the Nativity has been surrounded by a sort of fortress. In this picture, three bell towers can be seen: one belonging to the Armenian church, one to the Greek Orthodox church, and one to the Catholic church.

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An evocative picture of the basilica from above, showing the magnificence of the Latin cross-plan view.

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The small Door of Humility, so called because it forces the pilgrim to bow in order to enter, gives access from the square to the narthex.

A second door links the narthex with the nave. It was made in walnut wood by Armenian craftsmen and dates back to the thirteenth century. The execution date and the names of the artists who fashioned it are engraved in Armenian and Arabic.

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The basilica today, elegant and majestic with the restored mosaics, the painted columns, and the wooden roof that looks like a boat keel.

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Crowds of pilgrims have visited this holy place over the centuries and never cease to marvel at its beauty.

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The Star that marks the birthplace of Jesus. Every year, more than two million pilgrims kneel to venerate this holy site.

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