The City of Bethlehem located in Palestine, less than 10 km from Jerusalem is a renowned tourist destination due to its ties with some of the most popular names ever mentioned in history. It is most popular for being the birthplace of Jesus and also the hometown of several other biblical figures including King David and Boaz who eventually married Ruth. Those yearning to explore this city should begin with these historic sites to get a detailed understanding of the historic past of this holy land.
8 The Manger Square
Manger Square is a city square located in the center of Bethlehem. It is the starting point of all tourist activity in this city. The square was named after the manger where Jesus was born and this manger is also located within the square in the Church of the Nativity - one of the two churches that stand in the square, the other being the Church of St. Catherine. These churches are some of the oldest in the world and a large part of their original looks can still be seen even though there have been some renovating touches. A large Christmas tree can be seen at the center of the square and during Christmas, this tree is lit up and an epic Christmas service takes place here. The square also includes the Palestinian Peace Center and the Mosque of Omar which is the city’s only mosque.
7 Church Of The Nativity
The Church of the Nativity is a highly significant site in Bethlehem. It is known to be the location where Jesus was born thousands of years ago. Within the church is a grotto or cave which is believed to be the exact spot where the delivery took place. This cave is regarded as the oldest continuously used Christian worship site. Due to its historic significance, the site has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has seen pilgrim visits since 333 AD.
6 Church Of St. Catherine
The church of St. Catherine is a Catholic church located adjacent to the Church of the Nativity in the Manger Square in Bethlehem. The site was first dedicated in the 14th century to St. Catherine of Alexandria - a young princess, scholar, and virgin Martyr who was said to have dedicated her life to the Christian faith and converted many to Christianity including the wife of the cruel Roman Emperor - Maxentius who persecuted Christians and eventually sentenced the young princess to death. The Church of St. Catherine is connected to the Church of the Nativity through a passageway and is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One iconic site within the church is the cloister of Saint Jerome - a historian who translated the Bible to Latin.
5 Rachel’s Tomb
Located at the entrance of Bethlehem, less than 10 km from Jerusalem, Rachel’s tomb is a highly significant site to Jews, Christians, and Muslims all over the world. It is recognized as the actual tomb of Rachel - the beloved wife of Jacob, who died during the birth of her second son and Jacob’s last child - Benjamin. Many who visit the tomb recognize the figure as a beloved Jewish mother who solicited for the well-being of her children - the Israelites during the period when they were captured by the Babylonians as seen in Jeremiah 31:15 in the Hebrew Bible. The site is most popular among women who visit and pray for help to overcome barrenness. Some are said to even collect stones from around the tomb in hopes of making the process of childbearing easier.
4 Palestinian Heritage Center
The Palestinian Heritage Center is a cultural institution in Bethlehem dedicated to the preservation and showcasing of the cultural heritage of the Palestinian people. The center was established in 1991 and offers visitors an exploration of the traditional artifacts, cultural attires, and artworks of the country. Visitors can also purchase hand-made Palestinian traditional dresses and many other interesting souvenirs on as well.
3 Milk Grotto
While the Milk Grotto is a chapel located in Bethlehem close to the Church of the Nativity, there is more to its erection at this specific location. According to a Christian story, it was the location where Mary and Joseph hid to nurse the baby (Jesus) on their way to Egypt to escape the massacre of boys aged two years and below as ordered by King Herod. In the process of nursing the baby, a drop of milk is said to have fallen on the floor of the cave, immediately changing its color to white. Due to the miraculous story attached to this location, people visit with the hopes of getting the blessing of fertility.
2 Mar Saba Monastery
Tucked away in the mountains of the Judean Desert 10 km from Bethlehem is the Greek Orthodox monastery called - Mar Saba. The monastery which presents the looks of a majestic fortress is believed to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited monasteries in the world. It was built by Saint Sabba and other monks and is significant due to its role in the historical development of the liturgy of the Orthodox Church. One particularly old tradition the monastery still holds to date is the restriction on women to the main compound. They can only be allowed access into a building known as the Women’s Tower.
1 Shepherd’s Field
The shepherd’s field is said to be the site where an angel appeared and revealed the news of the birth of Jesus to shepherds who watched over their flock at night. Several sites have been identified by different Christian denominations as the location of this event in Beit Sahour - a city located just a stone's throw from Bethlehem. The Chapel of the Shepherds Field is the location of the Angelic visit according to the Catholics while the Del El Rawat Chapel is the location of the same event according to the Greek Orthodox faith.