Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem, West Bank, Palestinian Territories, Middle East, Asia
The Church of the Nativity is a basilica located in Bethlehem, Palestinian territories. The church was originally commissioned in 327 AD by Constantine and his mother Helena over the site that is still traditionally considered to be located over the cave that marks the birthplace of Jesus of Nazareth. The Church of the Nativity site's original basilica was completed in 339 AD and destroyed by fire during the Samaritan Revolts in the sixth century AD. A new basilica was built 565 AD by the Byzantine Empire, restoring the architectural tone of the original. The site of the Church of the Nativity has had numerous additions since this second construction, including its prominent bell towers. Due to its cultural and geographical history, the site holds a prominent religious significance to those of both the Christian and Muslim faiths. The site of the Church of the Nativity is a World Heritage Site, and was the first to be listed under Palestine by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The site is also on UNESCO's List of World Heritage Sites in Danger. The holy site, known as the Grotto, that the Church of the Nativity sits atop, is today associated with the cave in which the birth of Jesus of Nazareth occurred. In 135 AD, Hadrian is said to have had the Christian site above the Grotto converted into a worship place for Adonis, the Greek god of beauty and desire. A father with the Church of the Nativity, Jerome, noted before his death in 420 AD that the holy cave was at one point consecrated by the heathen to the worship of Adonis, and that a pleasant sacred grove was planted there in order to wipe out the memory of Jesus. In Bethlehem the cave is pointed out where He was born, and the manger in the cave where He was wrapped in swaddling clothes. And the rumor is in those places, and among foreigners of the Faith, that indeed Jesus was born in this cave who is worshipped and reverenced by the Christians. (Contra Celsum, book I, chapter LI). The first basilica on this site was begun by Saint Helena, the mother of the Emperor Constantine I. Under the supervision of Bishop Makarios of Jerusalem, the construction started in 327 AD and was completed in 333. Construction of this early church was carried out as part of a larger project following the First Council of Nicaea during Constantine's reign to build on the supposed sites of the life of Jesus. The design of the basilica centered around three major architectural sections: an octagonal rotunda over the area believed to be where Jesus of Nazareth was born; a boxed atrium area of 148 by 92 feet (45 m × 28 m); and double-aisled forecourt of 95 by 93 feet (29 m × 28 m). The structure was burnt down and destroyed in a revolt between the Jews and the Samaritans in 529 or 556 AD. The current basilica was rebuilt in its present form in 565 AD by the Emperor Justinian I. When the Persians under Chosroes II invaded in 614, they did not destroy the structure. According to legend, their commander Shahrbaraz was moved by the depiction inside the church of the Three Magi wearing Persian clothing, and commanded that the building be spared. The Crusaders made further repairs and additions to the building during the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem with permission and help given by the Byzantine Emperor, and the first King of Jerusalem was crowned in the church. Over the years, the compound has been expanded, and today it covers approximately 12,000 square meters. The church was one of the direct causes for French involvement in the Crimean War against Russia. Until 1131 CE, the Church of the Nativity was used as the primary coronation church for crusader kings. During this time, extensive decoration by the crusaders and various restorations of the basilica and grounds took place. This decoration and restoration process took place until 1169 AD. After three decades of being ravaged by the invasions of the Crusades, most notably the destruction of the church that occurred in April 1244 by the Turks, the roof of the Church of the Nativity lay in poor condition. In August of 1448 AD, the Kingdom of Burgundy committed resources to the project, but it was not until 1480 that they were able to get the project underway in Bethlehem. Due to this worsening condition of the wooden Church roof, in 1480 an extensive roof reconstruction and renovation projected took place on the Church of the Nativity.
A Visit to The Church of The Nativity, Bethlehem, Palestine
Hi, I am an Instagrammar @thesavvypilgrim and have just started making travel films. I travel to soulful places that help me deepen my connection with my soul. I always travel solo and connect with photographers and video film-makers locally (to the destination I travel) to create content. I hope you enjoy my short film on my visit to The Church of The Nativity in Bethlehem, Palestine.
Credits:
Creator/Director: Gunjan Virk (
Voiceover: Ruchi Kapoor (
Piano and vocals: Katie Norris (
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I was standing in the old church in Bethlehem, close to the spot where Jesus was born when the whole church was ringing hour after hour with the splendid hymns of praise to God, how again and again it seemed as if I could hear voices I know well, telling each other of the Saviour's birth. Excerpt from: Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas by Ace Collins
It was a quiet winter morning when I drove into Bethlehem with my guide. Bethlehem is situated 10 kilometers south of the city of Jerusalem, in the hill country of the Holy Land. Since the 2nd century AD, people have believed that the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, contains the cave-manger site where Jesus was born.
Driving from Jerusalem, we stopped at the Israel-Palestine border to change cars. It is not allowed to drive an Israeli vehicle in areas under full Palestine control. In about half an hour, we arrived at the Church of Nativity inside the town of Bethlehem.
I was filled with an incredible sense of awe as I entered the church through its small entrance door and beheld with my own eyes the birthplace of Jesus. The Grotto of the Nativity, the place where it is believed that Jesus was born, is an underground space that forms the crypt of the church. It is situated underneath the main altar and can be accessed by two staircases located on either side of the sanctuary. One can feel an intense vibration of peace upon climbing down to the grotto. The exact spot where Jesus was born is marked by a 14-pointed silver star. Crowds of pilgrims waiting for hours in line take turns as they kneel down to touch this holy spot and take their blessing.
The present Church of the Nativity was built in the mid-6th century AD and is the oldest Christian church in daily use.
I finished my visit to Bethlehem by buying souvenirs in the local market and then driving to the Israel-Palestine ( or West Bank as it is called) wall, covered by artwork from Banksy.
The Catholic Midnight Mass in Bethlehem on Christmas Eve is broadcast worldwide. The Patriarch of Jerusalem, accompanied by a parade of youth organizations, makes his way to Manger Square, amid crowds of pilgrims traveling from different corners of the world. After leading the Mass at the Catholic Church of Saint Catherine, he places an icon of Jesus as a child on the star in the holy cave that marks the Nativity site in the Church of Nativity.
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Lyrics O Little Town Of Bethlehem
O little town of Bethlehem
How still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight
For Christ is born of Mary
And gathered all above
While mortals sleep, the angels keep
Their watch of wondering love
O morning stars together
Proclaim the holy birth
And praises sing to God the King
And Peace to men on earth
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#churchofthenativity #bethlehem #olittletownofbethlehem
Budget Travel Palestine - Church of Nativity, Bethlehem
We are visiting the one of the holiest site in Christianity, the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem, Palestine. Originally commissioned in 327 by Constantine the Great and his mother Helena, the cave within is traditionally believed to mark the birthplace of Jesus
Full episode - DIY Destinations - Palestine:
Bethlehem, Palestine: The Church of the Nativity
Pictures and Haiku poems of Bethlehem & the Church of the Nativity by Mike Keenan. If you enjoy the poetry of place, visit my website listed on this YouTube.
Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem, Jesus' Birthplace
The focal point at the Church of the Nativity is the Grotto of the Nativity, beneath the basilica, where an altar with a 14-pointed silver star beneath it enshrines the place where Jesus is said to have been born. Descending into the Grotto of the Nativity, and on the left, is another altar (the cave/Chapel of the Manger) to mark the site where Mary laid the newborn Baby Jesus in the manger.
The Church of the Nativity is located in Bethlehem in Palestinian territory. From early on, the cave at the site has been revered by the Christian faithful, just as Justin Martyr (100-165- CE) and other ancient writers attest. In 135 CE, Emperor Hadrian had tried to rid the place of Christian veneration by creating a Temple to Adonis and a sacred grove at the cave. Later in 327 CE, Helena, Constantine's mother, commissioned the first church to be built on the site. The basilica today is built around that ancient cave and the site of the birth is marked with a 14-pointed silver star set into a marble floor.
Church of the Nativity Bethlehem Palestine
Church of the Nativity Bethlehem Palestine
Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem Palestine
Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem Palestine
Video for HCEF Simulcast Message of Peace between Bethlehem and Washington, DC.
December 5, 2014
Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem, Palestine
The entrance to the presumed birthplace of Jesus is narrow. The Church of the Nativity was built in the nativity site. I needed to pass the Israel-Palestine border to get to this place. 6.24.11
The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem - Part 1 of 3
Anton Farah our guide gives some commentary to our group of Pilgrims from Singapore at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, Palestine on December 8, 2010.
17. Church Of the Nativity, Bethlehem
More from the West Bank...
Music: Constant Seas
church of nativity, bethlehem, israel
Faith at the church of nativity, bethlehem, palestinian territory, israel. January 2009
CHRISTMAS in BETHLEHEM: The CHURCH OF NATIVITY with Christmas music ????????
SUBSCRIBE: - Here's a view of the Church of the Nativity from Bethlehem (West Bank, Palestine) videotaped a few days before Christmas. Unfortunately, the church was undergoing extensive renovations but it is still beautiful nevertheless.
Bethlehem is a Palestinian town south of Jerusalem in the West Bank. The biblical birthplace of Jesus, it’s a major Christian pilgrimage destination. The birth is marked by an inlaid silver star in a grotto under the 6th-century Church of the Nativity, which shares Manger Square with the 15th-century Church of St. Catherine and the 1860 Mosque of Omar.
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Vic Stefanu, vstefanu@yahoo.com
The Palestinian television broadcast at the Church of the Nativity Bethlehem. (Orthodox Christmas)
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 Shaked
In 2000 I became a registered liscenced tourist guide.
My dedication in life is to pass on the ancient history of the Holy Land.
Following upon many years of travel around the world, which was highlighted by a very exciting emotional and soul-searching meeting with the Dalai Lama, I realized that I had a mission. To pass on the the history of the Holy Land, its religions, and in particular, the birth and development of Christianity.
In order to fulfill this calling in the best way possible, I studied in depth, visited, and personally experienced each and every important site of the ancient Christians. I studied for and received my first bachelors degree in the ancient history of the Holy Land, and am presently completing my studies for my second degree.(Masters)
Parralel to my studies, and in order to earn a living, I was employed for many years in advertising. What I learned there was how to attract the publics attention, generate and, increase interest, and assimilate information. All this I use as tools to describe, explain and deepen the interest in the sites that we visit. From my experience, I have learned that in this way, the Holy Land becomes more than just history, and that the large stones that we see scattered about in dissaray, join together one by one until they become - a Byzantine Church. This also happens when I lead a group of Pilgrims in the Steps of Jesus. We climb to the peak of Mount Precipice, glide over the land to the Sea of Galilee, land on the water and see the miracle which enfolds before us. This is a many faceted experience. Not only history which you will remember and cherish, but an experience which I hope will be inplanted in your hearts and minds, and will accompany you all the days of your life.
OUR VISIT TO BETHLEHEM | BIRTHPLACE OF JESUS CHRIST | CHURCH OF NATIVITY | PALESTINE CHURCH |
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Ep. 5: The Holy Land | Bethlehem: Exploring the Church of the Nativity
In episode 5, visit the city of Bethlehem, a land filled with stories of provision and solutions. Meet Maher Canawati, an elected member of Bethlehem’s City Council, to explore the Church of the Nativity, the traditional site of Jesus’ birth. Uncover the connection between Old Testament and New Testament stories as you explore the oldest and most holy church in the world. Climb the church tower for views of Bethlehem that aren’t open to the public and reflect on how this land continues to remind us of the solution God provided through His Son, Jesus.
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The Holy Land: Connecting the Land with Its Stories is an eight-episode series hosted by Dr. John (Jack) Beck that takes you to regions throughout Israel to experience the land, the culture, and the customs that surround the sacred stories of the Bible.
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At Our Daily Bread Films, we tell the stories found in Scripture.
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Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity no longer in danger
(4 Jul 2019) LEAD IN
The U.N. cultural agency says Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity is no longer considered as an 'in danger' world heritage site thanks to extensive restoration work at the church celebrated for marking the birthplace of Jesus.
The Palestinian Authority launched the renovation after UNESCO put the site on the endangered list in 2012.
STORY-LINE
One of Christianity's most sacred shrines, the Church of the Nativity was built in the 4th century over a cave where the Virgin Mary is said to have given birth.
It was inscribed on the UNESCO list of 'World Heritage' in 2012, but was simultaneously added to the 'List of World Heritage in Danger' due to its poor condition.
The Palestinian Authority then launched renovation plans, which have led to the site being removed from the 'in danger' list.
UNESCO's World Heritage Committee decided on Tuesday (July 2) to remove the church and nearby pilgrimage route from its list of significant places under threat because of the high quality of work on its leaky roof, broken windows, damaged columns and grime-covered mosaics.
Rula Maayah, Palestinian Minister of Tourism says the Palestinian Authority is working hard in order to withdraw the church of Nativity from UNESCO's list of endangered sites.
In the meeting of the heritage committee in Azerbaijan we requested to withdraw the church from the list endanger, the UNESCO, or the committee decided to withdraw it from the list endanger and of course to keep it as a World Heritage site says Maayah. The Holy Land site also includes several other churches.
Maher Qanawati, Bethlehem's municipality member says I would ask everybody from all over the world to come and see the new renovations and the new mosaic pieces of art that we have found under the previous ones.
In Christian tradition the site has been identified as the birthplace of Jesus since the 2nd century, according to UNESCO.
Local man Saif Soboh says it is good news.
We are happy to see good news, to see the church of the Nativity in the UNESCO and we can see today a lot of visitors they are coming to the birthplace of Jesus.
Bethlehem hopes the renovation will boost tourism and a weak economy in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
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Inside the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem (Palestine/West Bank) (Oct. 2011)
Inside the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem (Palestine/West Bank) (Oct. 2011)
Bethlehem Church of the Nativity in need of repair
(27 Nov 2011) SHOTLIST
AP Television
Bethlehem, West Bank - November 14, 2011
1. Wide exterior of Church of St. Catherine part of the Church of the Nativity
2. Mid of statue of Saint Jerome, statue of Virgin Mary in background
3. Wide of statue of Saint Jerome through arches
4. Mid of woman lighting candles at the Church of the Nativity
5. Wide of interior of the Church of the Nativity
6. Close of candles inside church
7. Mid of entrance to Grotto of the Nativity
8. Close of Star of Nativity
9. SOUNDBITE (English) Iman Hadweh, tour guide of the Palestinian tourism and antiquity ministry:
The first church was built in the 4th century by the famous Byzantine lady, Saint Helen and her son the Emperor Constantine the Great. There was a wonderful octagonal church built on top, exactly, on the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. An 8-sided church was built, octagonal church, similar to the Sermon on the Mount, the Eight Beatitudes, that Jesus Christ taught his apostles.
10. Close of tourist kneeling and kissing the Star of the Nativity
11. Mid of tourists at the Grotto of the Nativity.
12. Wide of Grotto
13. Close of woman praying inside Grotto
14. Wide of church, with mass in progress
15. Mid of Franciscan priests bowing to altar
16. Mid of worshippers
17. Wide of altar to the Virgin Mary in the Catholic part of the Church of the Nativity
18. Mid of Iman Hadweh, tour guide, walking down stairs towards the Grotto
19. SOUNDBITE (English) Iman Hadweh, tour guide of the Palestinian tourism and antiquity ministry:
Everybody knows the story when Jesus Christ was born in a humble stable and he lived for a while in Bethlehem. And the Archangel appeared to Saint Joseph in his dream, and he asked him to stand up, take the baby and run to Egypt - because Herod the Great issued a decree to kill all boy babies, those who were two years and less than two years. So the flight to Egypt, running from Herod the Great, started from this wonderful chapel, so Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem but he lived a while in Bethlehem.
20. Close of entrance to underground
21. Close of crucifix on wall
22. Mid of altar in Saint Jerome's cave
23. Mid of passageway that connects the grotto and Saint Jerome's cave
24. Mid of pilgrims inside cave
25. Wide of Khoulod Deibes, Palestinian Minister of Tourism and Antiquity greeting tourists
26. SOUNDBITE (English) Khoulod Deibes, Palestinian Minister of Tourism and Antiquity:
Because the roof is in a very bad shape, and as I said, for decades there were no restorations done in the church. The Palestinian Authority has taken the lead, our President had issued a decree, to restore the roof and to prepare for the restoration of the church on behalf of the three churches and in coordination with the three churches, which obviously cannot do it on their own.
27. Close up of thurible, incense burner, hanging from ceiling
28. Pan right of tourists at the Nativity church
29. Pan of wooden roof
30. Wide of Isam Juha, Director of the Palestinian Centre of Cultural Heritage Preservation
31. SOUNDBITE (English) Isam Juha, Director of the Palestinian Centre of Cultural Heritage Preservation:
The first time it was rejected due to, let's say, the problem of Palestine not having the status of the state. Now this time at least it will be technically evaluated, and we are sure that such an important place, which is important to the whole of humanity, should be on the World Heritage List. We are sure and confident that this site will be on the World Heritage List.
32. Close of people coming out of the small door of the Church of the Nativity
33. Wide of bell towers
34. Wide exterior of church
++ 4:3 PILLARBOXED VIDEO ++
AP Television FILE
Bethlehem, West Bank - December 24, 2009
AP Television
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360 video: Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem, Palestine
One of the oldest operating Christian churches in the world, it is recognized to mark the birthplace of Jesus Christ since the 2nd century. It is thus a prime pilgrimage site and a major Christian religious site that was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012. The original church completed in 339 AD was replaced with a basilica in the 6th century. It is believed to be built over the cave where Christ was born - the holy site is known as the Grotto. Apart from that, note the columns decorated with paintings of saints and the mosaics on the floor and the walls.
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Top10 Recommended Hotels in Bethlehem, Palestinian Territory
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Top10 Recommended Hotels in Bethlehem, Palestinian Territory : 1. The Walled Off Hotel ***
2. Dar Sitti Aziza ***
3. Hosh Al-Syrian Guesthouse
4. Talitha Kumi Guest House ***
5. Jacir Palace Hotel *****
6. innova8ion ***
7. Manger Square Hotel ****
8. Habibi Hostel
9. Dar al Majus
10. Shepherd Plaza Hotel
Address:
1. 182 Caritas St, Bethlehem, Palestine, Bethlehem, Palestinian Territory, Price range: $164 - $490
The Walled Off Hotel is located next to the separation wall in Bethlehem, Palestine providing visitors with a strong sense of history, spirituality and emotion.
2. Anatra Street , Bethlehem, Palestinian Territory, Price range: $148 - $180
Located in Bethlehem, Dar Sitti Aziza offers unique traditional accommodations. Free WiFi is available in the rooms.
3. Hosh Al Syrian,, Bethlehem, Palestinian Territory, Price range: $57 - $137
Featuring free WiFi and a restaurant, Hosh Al-Syrian Guest house offers pet-friendly accommodations in Bethlehem. The hotel has a sun terrace and views of the garden. Guests can enjoy dining at the property's gourmet restaurant which requires booking in advance.
4. Beit Jala - P.O Box 7 , PL Bethlehem, Palestinian Territory, Price range: $95 - $139
Offering buffet restaurant, Talitha Kumi Guest House is located in Beit Jala. Free Wi-Fi access is available. Bethlehem Church is 3.1 mi away.
5. Jerusalem-Hebron Road, 55555 Bethlehem, Palestinian Territory, Price range: $50 - $1115
Located just 200 m from Rachel’s Tomb, Jacir Palace features a beautiful palatial façade and a charming courtyard with palm trees. Guests can relax by the outdoor pool or at the spa.
6. Attan street 21, Bethlehem, Palestinian Territory, Price range: $100 - $148
Located in Bethlehem, a 12-minute walk from Church of the Nativity, innova8ion provides accommodations with a restaurant, free private parking, a bar and a terrace. The property is around a 14-minute walk from St. Catherine's Church, 4.7 km from Rachel's Tomb and 2.7 km from Bethlehem University. The property has a 24-hour front desk, airport transportation, room service and free WiFi throughout the property.
7. Manger Street , Bethlehem, Palestinian Territory, Price range: $122 - $190
Manger Square Hotel is located in Bethlehem, just few steps from Nativity Church and Manger Square. Free Wi-Fi is available in the entire hotel.
8. Palestine St Second Floor, Bethlehem, Palestinian Territory, Price range: $20 - $48
Located in Bethlehem and with Church of the Nativity reachable within a few steps, Habibi Hostel has express check-in and check-out, rooms, a shared lounge, free WiFi throughout the property and a garden. Featuring a shared kitchen, this property also provides guests with a grill. The property provides evening entertainment and a 24-hour front desk.
9. 56, Star Street, Bethlehem, Bethlehem, Palestinian Territory, Price range: $70 - $90
Located in Bethlehem, a few steps from Manger Square, Dar al Majus provides accommodations with a garden, private parking and a terrace. Located around a 2-minute walk from St. Catherine's Church, the guesthouse with free WiFi is also 275 m away from Umar Mosque. The guesthouse has family rooms.
10. Mountain Road, Bethlehem, Palestinian Territory, Price range: $95 - $166
Situated on one of Betlehem’s highest hills, The Shepherd Plaza Hotel is located in Betlehem’s City Centre with easy access to Jordan borders. It offers free WiFi in all areas and a fully equipped spa & fitness center.
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