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Basilica of the Nativity
A Holy Site in
The magnificent Basilica of the Nativity is situated on Manger Square in the south-eastern part of the Palestinian City of Bethlehem, eight kilometers south of Jerusalem.
The Basilica is built above the cave identified as where Jesus was born. When Joseph and Mary came to Bethlehem, they could not find room at the inn, so Jesus was born in cave that was used as a stable.
The church was originally build in the middle of the third century A.D. by Helena mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine, it was later destroyed and rebuilt in most of its present shape by the Emperor Justinian in 529 A.D., making it one of the oldest church in existence.
The Basilica is an imposing structure, with its huge walls it resembles a fortress more than a church, and its low and narrow entrances protected it from invasion and prevented mounted horsemen from entering the church.
By descending one of the stairways on either side of the altar in the Basilica, one is able to enter the Grotto of the Nativity, the cave where Jesus is said to have been born. A 14-pointed sliver star is embedded in the white marble floor, with the Latin inscription "Here Jesus Christ was born to the Virgin Mary".
Because of is age and fame the Basilica of the Nativity has been the site of constant pilgrimages.
The site is now under the control of the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities. Hours of operation are daily from 6:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., and conservative attire is required. Entrance to the church during midnight Mass Christmas celebrations is by special entrance tickets available free of charge from the Franciscan Pilgrims office in Jerusalem.
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