Bethlehem, Sacred Christian city in West Bank, Palestine
The Church of the Nativity stands at an elevation of 775 meters, featuring ancient stone walls, multiple chapels, and underground caves beneath its structure.
The city, first mentioned in Egyptian hieroglyphic texts around 2000 BCE, became a major Christian pilgrimage destination after Emperor Constantine built the Nativity Church in 330 CE.
Palestinian craftspeople in Bethlehem maintain traditional skills of olive wood carving and mother-of-pearl inlay work, creating religious artifacts and decorative items.
Regular shuttle buses connect Jerusalem to Bethlehem through Checkpoint 300, with the journey taking approximately 30 minutes during normal traffic conditions.
During Christmas celebrations, the Patriarch of Jerusalem travels from the Old City to Bethlehem in a ceremonial procession through Manger Square.
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