Bethlehem: The Birthplace of Jesus — A Pilgrimage Guide

Bethlehem is the birthplace of Jesus Christ — the small town where the Word became flesh. For Christian pilgrims, it is one of the three essential destinations in Israel (with Jerusalem and Galilee), and the Church of the Nativity is one of the oldest continuously operating churches in the world. This guide covers what to see in Bethlehem, how to get there, and what your group should know.

Key points:

• Bethlehem is located 10 km (6 miles) south of Jerusalem, in the West Bank (Palestinian Authority territory).
• The Church of the Nativity, built in the 4th century by Constantine and rebuilt in the 6th century by Justinian, is the oldest continuously operating church in the Holy Land and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The star marking the traditional birthplace of Jesus is in a crypt beneath the church, accessible through a narrow entrance.
• Plan a half-day for Bethlehem: the Church of the Nativity, the Shepherds' Fields, and Manger Square.

What is the Church of the Nativity?

The Church of the Nativity is built over the cave traditionally identified as the birthplace of Jesus. The original church was commissioned by the Roman Emperor Constantine and his mother Helena in AD 326, as part of the same pilgrimage-building program that produced the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. The current structure dates to the 6th century, when Emperor Justinian rebuilt and enlarged it after the Samaritan revolt of AD 529.

The church has survived earthquakes, conquests, and wars for nearly 1,500 years — making it one of the oldest continuously operating churches in the world. In 2012, UNESCO inscribed it as a World Heritage Site, and a major restoration completed in 2020 repaired the roof, columns, and mosaics.

What should you see inside the Church of the Nativity?

• The Door of Humility — the main entrance is a small, low doorway (about 4 feet tall) that forces every visitor to bow. It was lowered in the Ottoman era to prevent horsemen from riding into the church and to ensure humility upon entry.
• The nave — the main hall of the 6th-century Justinian church, with rows of Corinthian columns. Parts of the original 4th-century mosaic floor are visible through trapdoors.
• The Grotto of the Nativity — the crypt beneath the church, accessible by stairs from the nave. A 14-point silver star set in the marble floor marks the traditional spot of Jesus' birth, inscribed in Latin: "Here of the Virgin Mary Jesus Christ was born." A nearby altar marks the traditional site of the manger.
• The Church of St. Catherine — the adjacent Roman Catholic church, built in 1881, connected to the Nativity complex. The midnight Christmas Mass is held here and broadcast worldwide.

Allow 60–90 minutes. The line to enter the Grotto can be long during peak hours — arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

What are the Shepherds' Fields?

The Shepherds' Fields (Beit Sahour) is the area east of Bethlehem where the angel appeared to the shepherds to announce the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:8–20). There are two sites commemorating this event:

• The Greek Orthodox site — a 5th-century church and cave with ancient mosaics and burial niches. The cave is traditionally where the shepherds were keeping their flocks.
• The Catholic site — a modern church (1953) designed by Antonio Barluzzi, shaped like a shepherd's tent. The interior is bright and simple, with frescoes depicting the angel's announcement.

Most tours visit the Catholic site, which has a beautiful view of the Bethlehem hills. Allow 45 minutes.

How do you get to Bethlehem from Jerusalem?

Bethlehem is 10 km (6 miles) south of Jerusalem. For tour groups, the journey is straightforward — your coach crosses the Israeli-Palestinian checkpoint (Checkpoint 300) and continues to Manger Square. The crossing takes 15–30 minutes depending on traffic. Tour groups with a pre-registered itinerary typically pass through without stopping. Your Israeli guide can guide you to the checkpoint; a local Palestinian guide typically joins the bus in Bethlehem.

Individual travelers can take the Arab Bus #231 from the Damascus Gate in Jerusalem to Manger Square in Bethlehem. The bus runs every 20 minutes and costs about 7 shekels ($2).

What is Manger Square?

Manger Square is the central plaza in front of the Church of the Nativity — the heart of Bethlehem. It's a large, open square where pilgrims gather, photos are taken, and Christmas Eve celebrations are held. The square is surrounded by the Church of the Nativity, the Mosque of Omar (built in 1860), and several shops and cafes. It's a peaceful, welcoming space, and most groups spend some free time here.

What should your group know before visiting Bethlehem?

• Passport: bring your passport — you may be asked to show it at the checkpoint.
• Dress code: covered shoulders and knees inside the Church of the Nativity.
• Christmas: Christmas in Bethlehem is celebrated three times — December 25 (Catholic/Protestant), January 7 (Orthodox), and January 6 (Armenian). The square is packed for each celebration.
• Shopping: Bethlehem is famous for olive wood carvings — nativity sets, crosses, and ornaments. Prices are reasonable and the craftsmanship is excellent.
• Safety: Bethlehem is safe for tourists. The Palestinian Authority maintains a tourist police presence, and Christian pilgrimage is welcomed.

Bethlehem is a small town with an outsized significance. Standing in the Grotto of the Nativity, touching the star that marks the birthplace, and reading Luke 2 on site is a moment that puts the incarnation into a physical place you can reach out and touch.