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Bethlehem
- As the birthplace of Jesus Christ, Bethlehem has a more special meaning to Christians than any other town in the world. It means ‘the house of bread’ in Aramaic. It was inhabited by the Canaanites and was the home of their god, Lahama. Bethlehem is located 10 Km south of Jerusalem and lies on hills 770 meters above the sea. Bethlehem has many successful businesses such as olive wood carving and mother of pearl industry. It is considered a main attraction for most tourists and Christian pilgrims.
Nativity Church
The basilica was built over the grotto where Jesus was born and is considered one of the most ancient churches in the World. Queen Helena Augusta supervised the first work in 326 AD. When visiting the Basilica, one can see the old mosaic floor that is under the current floor. Beside the basilica there is St. Catherine Church for the Roman Catholic Church that was built in 1881 and restored by Antonio Barluzzi in 1933.
The Milk Grotto
It’s a Franciscan chapel that was built over the cave where the Holy Family sheltered during their flight to Egypt, the tradition says that a drop of Milk dropped while Mary was nursing Jesus, which caused the white color of the walls inside the grotto.
The Shepherds Field
lies in a small village east of Bethlehem called “Beit Sahour” where angel Gabriel announced the birth of Jesus to the Shepherds. There are two churches that were built in the field; one is for the Greek Orthodox and the other for the Franciscans.
Herodion Mountain
Is located 7 kilometers to the south-east of Bethlehem, it was considered the refuge of King Heron from his enemies, one can see the remains of palaces, fortifications, towers, bath-houses and others.
Mar Saba
Mar Saba is a Greek Orthodox monastery located between the east of Bethlehem and the Desert. It was built in the 6th century and is considered one of the oldest Orthodox monasteries in the world and still inhabited by monks.
St. Mary of the Hortus Conclusus convent
Hortus Conclusus is a latin term means “the enclosed garden”, it’s a convent that was built in the 19th century by an Argentinean bishop. It is located in a small village near Bethlehem called “Urtas”.
Solomon’s Pools
Are three huge reservoirs that were constructed in the time of King Herod to collect water from rain and supply to Jerusalem throughout the year.
