Bethlehem my love
the most interesting places in Bethlehem
We traveled all around Bethlehem and created the perfect tours for you.
Bethlehem the world over is known as the birthplace of Jesus. The city is also important to the Jews because it is also believed to be where King David was born and where he was crowned King of Israel. It is located about 10 kilometers south of the Old City of Jerusalem, currently part of the Israeli West Bank but is under the control of the Palestinian National Authority.
The Bethlehem region also includes the small town of Beit Jala and Beit Sahour and is home to one of the largest Arab Christian communities in the Middle East. However recent statistics show that recent Arab emigration over the years has resulted in a growing Muslim population in the area.
Planning your Trip to Bethlehem
How to Get There
Visitors generally arrive in Bethlehem from Jerusalem, which is the nearest city. For international travelers, your first stop is the Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv. From there, your next stop is Jerusalem, either by bus, taxi or rental car.
By Land
From the Damascus Gate in Jerusalem, it takes 40 minutes by Arab bus 21 to get to the Bethlehem checkpoint via Beit Jala. Shared taxi services (sheruts) can manage the same trip in only 20 minutes. Another bus (Bus 124) leaves from Damascus Gate and runs directly to the Bethlehem checkpoint and back.
By Plane
From the checkpoint, you may take a sherut or walk to the center of the city. Walking to Manger Square usually takes 30 minutes. Since Bethlehem is a small city, taking the taxi won’t cost you so much, especially beneficial during the summer when the heat can really be bothersome.
There are some considerations that you have to prepare yourself for when going to Bethlehem. First, since it is Palestinian-governed, you’ll have to pass through military checkpoints on the road between Jerusalem and Bethlehem before you may be allowed entry. If there are local disturbances or tension in the city, it is possible that buses and taxi services may be delayed or cancelled entirely.
You’ll have plenty to expect in Bethlehem and not just in terms of sites of religious significance. Bethlehem also has over 30 hotels that are easily filled to capacity especially during the Christmas season.
Sites of Religious Importance in Bethlehem
Most religious sites in Bethlehem pertain to the birth of Jesus. Other nearby areas have significant memorials and landmarks as well.
Basilica of the Nativity – is the main attraction in the City of Bethlehem. It was built on the site where Jesus is believed to have been born. The original church was constructed under the orders of the Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine. However, throughout history, the Church has been destroyed (Riot of 536), rebuilt and fortified (Crusaders), neglected (Mamluk rule), then burnt (in the first of 1869) and finally rebuilt to its present form today. Fragments of wall mosaics can still be found in the Church together with floor mosaics that survived from the original basilica. The Church is maintained and administered by the Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Armenian Apostolic authorities.
The Door of Humility – is the entrance to the Church of the Nativity. It is a very small rectangular door whose dimensions were specifically built to thwart looters from bringing in their carts inside the Church. The original door of the Crusaders was a little bit bigger in size, but during the time of the Ottoman rule, the door was reduced in size to force even the most important visitors to the church to dismount from their horse as a sign of respect.
The Grotto of the Nativity – Inside the Basilica of the Nativity, an underground cave exists and within it is the actual site of Jesus’ birth. The exact spot is marked beneath an altar with a 14-pointed silver star set into the marble floor. There is another altar to show where Mary traditionally laid the Baby Jesus in the manger. The Tomb of St. Jerome is also here.
Church of St. Catherine – is a church built next to the Church of the Nativity that commemorates Jesus Christ’s appearance to St. Catherine of Alexandria at which time He predicted her martyrdom. It also houses a Franciscan monastery within its hallowed halls.
Chapels – are also found in the Basilica compound. The Chapel of Saint Joseph to remember the time that an angel appeared to Joseph ordering him to flee to Egypt. The Chapel of the Innocents commemorates the children killed by King Herod. The Chapel of Saint Jerome commemorates the place where he translated the Bible into Latin.
Milk Grotto – or Magharet Sitti Mariam that means “Grotto of the Lady” is another one of the sacred sites that you can visit in Bethlehem. Many believe that during the Slaughter of the Innocents, the Holy Family took refuge here before leaving for Egypt. It was while Mary was nursing Jesus a drop of milk fell to the ground turning the cavern milky white.
Rachel’s Tomb – marks the traditional gravesite of the Biblical matriarch Rachel, the wife of Jacob and the mother of Joseph and Benjamin. Rachel died while giving birth to Benjamin and “Jacob set a pillar upon her grave” (Gen. 35:19). This is the third holiest site for Jews but because of security precautions the Tomb has been barricaded from Bethlehem by a fortress and entry into the tomb is very restricted.
Shepherds’ Fields – can be best described as the fields where shepherds were tending their flock when they saw the Star of Nativity. The fertile fields of Beit Sahour, to the east of Bethlehem, are believed to have been the site as described in the Bible. Two rival locations are being contested: “Kanisat al-Ruwat” 2 kilometers southeast of Bethlehem is the Greek Orthodox site while Khirbat Sivar al-Ghanim, 600 meters north of al-Ruwat is the site of the Roman Catholics’ Shepherds’ Fields. Many old structures, monasteries and churches are scattered throughout the fields.
Explore Bethlehem
For these reasons alone, visiting Jerusalem is not just for pilgrims who wish to assert and renew their faith but for all people who wish to stand on the brink of history, learn from it and relive it.
we can see a large groups that come every year from all over the world, The groups come through ” tour operator in Israel ” who takes them to the most active and holy places
What you should see in Bethlehem
Church of the Nativity
The birthplace of Jesus Christ and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Shepherd's Field
Where the shepherds saw the star that led them to Jesus' birthplace
The Mar Saba Monastery
Greek Orthodox monastery built into the side of a cliff and offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes
Bethlehem Museum
he Walled Off Hotel and Aida Refugee Camp are worth visiting to learn more about the history and culture of Palestine
Arts and Culture
Bethlehem has interesting museums within the city. The Crib of the Nativity Theater and Museum showcases the significant stages of the life of Jesus through 31 3D models. The Badd Giacaman Museum is dedicated to the history and process of olive oil production. Baituna Al-Talhami Museum is dedicated to exhibits concerning Bethlehem inhabitants. The International Museum of Nativity was established by the UNESCO to show works of high artistic quality.
Christmas is a special time in Bethlehem. It is celebrated on three different days, December 24 for the Roman Catholics and Protestants, January 6 for Greek Orthodox Christians and January 19 for Armenian Orthodox Christians.
The atmosphere is very festive especially with the Christmas lights strung around, the Christmas markets filled with enthusiastic shop-owners and their wares and residents joyously perform their Christmas plays. The more solemn and important events are the multiple services and processions led by many different Christian denominations.
Feel free to participate in the Christmas processions that weave through Manger Square. Catholic services are held in St. Catherine’s Church while Protestants celebrate their services at the Shepherds’ Fields.
The Palestinian Heritage Center aims to preserve and promte Palestinian embroidery, art and folklore. The Edward Said National Conservatory of Music teaches music to children, trains teachers, sponsors music research and studies Palestinian folklore music.
Child-friendly attractions
Children traveling into Bethlehem can learn about the history and significance of the birthplace of Jesus by visiting attractions such as the Church of the Nativity and the Manger Square.
They can also enjoy Palestinian culture by sampling traditional foods and drinks at local markets, participating in cultural events such as the Bethlehem International Festival of Literature, and visiting nearby museums such as the Walled Off Hotel.
Children can also get active by hiking in the nearby hills, visiting the Zoqak al-Blat craft village to watch artisans at work, and exploring the surrounding countryside rich in olive groves and vineyards.
They can also learn about social and environmental activism by visiting organizations such as the Alrowwad Cultural and Theater Society or volunteering at organizations working towards education, health and environmental causes.
The Church of the Nativity is considered one of the oldest churches in the world and is widely revered for being the birthplace of Jesus Christ. Children will enjoy exploring the church’s intricate architecture and learning about its history.
The Bethlehem Peace Center is an interactive museum that teaches children about different cultures and promotes peace and unity through its exhibits. Visitors can learn about traditional Palestinian life and crafts, as well as other cultures from around the world.
Manger Square is a bustling public square that is home to many local shops and restaurants, and it’s a great place for kids to experience the excitement of a vibrant city. They can see street performers and try local foods, as well as see the festive decorations and lights during holiday seasons.
One of the must-haves from the city of Bethlehem is their exquisite handicrafts. They are renowned for their olive wood carvings that are a perfect souvenir from Bethlehem. They have also mastered the art of producing mother-of-pearl ornaments that you can buy from shops along the main streets and in the old markets.
If you visit the refugee camps, you can also buy traditional Palestinian handicrafts and beautiful embroidery from there
1. SteelStacks: This outdoor entertainment complex offers a wide range of events, including concerts, festivals, and film screenings. Located on the former site of the Bethlehem Steel plant, the venue features multiple stages, a cinema, and a variety of food and drink vendors.
2. Sands Bethlehem Event Center: This indoor venue hosts national acts and boasts a large capacity for concerts and other events. In addition to music, the center also features comedy shows, boxing matches, and other entertainment options.
3. The Funhouse: A smaller, more intimate venue, The Funhouse is a popular spot for live music, comedy, and other performances. The bar offers a variety of craft beers and cocktails, and there’s usually a fun, laid-back vibe among the crowd.