Church of the Nativity

The Church of the Nativity contains a grotto beneath the main altar with a silver star marking the traditional location of Jesus's birth point.

Emperor Constantine I and his mother Helena commissioned the first church structure in 339 CE, which was later replaced after a fire during a Samaritan revolt.

Three Christian denominations - Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Armenian Apostolic - share the administration and maintenance of different sections of the church complex.

The entrance features a low doorway called the Door of Humility, requiring all visitors to bend down when entering the church structure.

The silver star in the Grotto of Nativity bears a Latin inscription stating 'Here Jesus Christ was born to the Virgin Mary' and remains surrounded by 15 silver lamps.

Location: Bethlehem

Inception: 327

Founders: Constantine the Great, Helena Augusta

Architectural style: Early Christian architecture, Romanesque architecture

Accessibility: Wheelchair limited access

Website: https://www.custodia.org/it/santuari/betlemme

Made from material: rock

Part of: Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route, Bethlehem

Website: https://custodia.org/it/santuari/betlemme

GPS coordinates: 31.70431,35.20758

Latest update: June 13, 2025 19:03