Manger Square, Square in Bethlehem, Palestine

Manger Square is a paved square in the center of Bethlehem, Palestine. It is laid with irregular light grey and beige stone blocks, and a line of short stone bollards stands across the near part, with cars parked in rows behind them.

The square was renovated in 1998 and 1999 to reduce traffic, and it became largely pedestrian. In 2002, it was the scene of a five-week standoff during a raid, when people took refuge in the Church of the Nativity.

The name comes from the manger where Jesus is said to have been born, and the square is a meeting point for locals and pilgrims. During Christmas, a giant tree stands here, and people gather to sing carols before the midnight mass.

The square is mostly for pedestrians, so you can walk freely, but watch for uneven stones underfoot. It is a central point, easy to find, and a good place to start exploring the old town on foot.

The square is the starting and finishing line of the Palestine Marathon, which was held here in 2013. The Christmas services for Eastern and Western churches happen on different days because they follow different calendars.