Quick Answer
Yes, you can visit the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, which marks the traditional site of Jesus’ birth. Bethlehem is located in the West Bank, under Palestinian control, so you need to cross through Israeli checkpoints to get there. The church is open year-round for visitors. Millions of Christian pilgrims visit the site each year.
Where was Jesus born?
According to the Gospels, Jesus was born in Bethlehem, a small town about 6 miles southwest of Jerusalem. Bethlehem is located in an area known as Judea, which today falls in the Palestinian West Bank.
The Gospel of Matthew states that Jesus was born during the reign of King Herod the Great, who died in 4 BC. The Gospel of Luke says Jesus was born when Quirinius was governor of Syria, which began in 6 AD. So the exact year is uncertain, but scholars estimate Jesus’ birth between 6 and 4 BC.
The Gospel of Luke specifies the location as a manger, because there was no room at the inn. The word “inn” in Greek can mean a guest room, so it’s unclear if this was a commercial lodging establishment, a private home, or perhaps a downstairs guest room in a family home, where the main rooms upstairs were full. Regardless, the descriptions indicate a humble, makeshift birthplace.
The Church of the Nativity
In the 2nd century AD, as Christianity grew, the Emperor Hadrian had a shrine built over a cave in Bethlehem that local Christians venerated as the birthplace of Jesus. In 327 AD, Constantine the Great commissioned a basilica to be built on the site. The current Church of the Nativity sits on this location today and is considered one of the oldest continuously operating churches in the world.
The church has undergone numerous restorations over the centuries. The oldest areas are the crypt area around the cave and some staircases nearby. Marble floors and elaborate decorations came later. Most of the present structure was rebuilt after a devastating fire in the 19th century.
The Grotto of the Nativity
A stairway from the church leads down into the Grotto of the Nativity, the underground cave revered as the birthplace of Jesus. A silver star in the marble floor marks the traditional spot. The cave walls are decorated with tapestries and icons donated through the centuries by Christians. Lamps hang over the star, constantly lighting the holy site.
Geography and Layout
The church compound is comprised of three different churches belonging to the Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, and Armenian Apostolic faiths. The churches are built overlapping each other in a relatively small space. This stems from an arrangement decreed by the Ottoman empire in the 19th century, which divided the holy site between the major denominations of Christianity.
The compound is arranged as follows:
– The Armenian monastery and garden are on the southwest side.
– The Church of St. Catherine for the Roman Catholics is southwest of the Grotto of the Nativity.
– The Greek Orthodox Basilica of the Nativity sits over the Grotto and constitutes the majority of the compound.
– The Grotto of the Nativity lies underneath the Greek Orthodox basilica.
Visiting the Church of the Nativity Today
The Church of the Nativity is located on Manger Square in Bethlehem. It welcomes both individual visitors and tour groups year-round. However, it does close on Sunday morning for religious services.
Here are some tips for visiting this holy site:
Access and Hours
– The church is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM in winter and 6:00 PM in summer, except Sunday mornings.
– It’s busiest from December through February.
– The Grotto of the Nativity is generally less crowded in the afternoon.
– There are no tickets or reservations. Entry is free but donations are accepted.
– Modest dress is required (no shorts or sleeveless tops).
Getting to Bethlehem
Bethlehem is located in the West Bank, which has been under Palestinian control since 1995. So you cannot drive directly there from Jerusalem or other parts of Israel. Travelers must cross through Israeli checkpoints. Here are some options:
– Take an organized tour – Several tour companies offer half or full-day tours to Bethlehem from Jerusalem. This avoids logistical hassles.
– Hire a taxi – Taxis can drive directly to Bethlehem and handle the checkpoint process. Be sure to negotiate the fare upfront.
– Take public transportation – Bus or shared van service (sherut) is available from Jerusalem to Checkpoint 300, then a taxi or bus into Bethlehem.
Foreign passport holders can get visa stamps to travel between Israel and the Palestinian territories. US citizens only get a paper visa, not stamped in passport.
Security and Accessability
The political situation in Israel and Palestine does raise security concerns and sometimes closes border crossings. Check current conditions before traveling and be prepared for potential delays at checkpoints. Guided tours handle logistics best. Individuals and families visiting independently should maintain vigilance.
The streets in Bethlehem’s Old City area are narrow and cobblestoned, which can make walking difficult. Wheelchair access inside the church compound is very limited as well.
Nearby Sites
If time allows, visitors can see other biblical sites nearby:
– Shepherd’s Field – where angels appeared to shepherds on the night of Jesus’ birth.
– Milk Grotto – believed to be location where Mary nursed baby Jesus.
– Rachel’s Tomb – tomb of the matriarch Rachel, wife of Jacob.
– Solomon’s Pools – ancient reservoirs from King Solomon’s era.
Significance as a Christian Holy Site
For over 1.8 billion Christians around the world, the Church of the Nativity marks one of the most sacred sites on earth. It stands as the oldest church pilgrimage destination, symbolic of Jesus’ humble birth that set off the growth of Christianity.
While the exact spot cannot be verified, early traditions steeped the location in holiness. Saint Helena, Constantine’s mother, traveled there in 326-328 AD to confirm details and oversee early church construction. The site has attracted devoted pilgrims ever since.
For today’s visitors, walking through the historic church and down into the candlelit grotto creates a profound connection with the origins of their faith. The sense of reverence is palpable. Even for non-religious travelers, the church is a top destination for understanding Christianity’s deep roots in the Holy Land.
Conclusion
The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem provides the opportunity to visit the place where Jesus Christ is traditionally considered to have been born. Located just 6 miles from Jerusalem, but under Palestinian control, it does require crossing through Israeli border checkpoints to visit independently. Organized tours make logistics easy. The centuries-old church remains a site of great spiritual significance, especially during the Christmas season. But it welcomes visitors year-round who want to connect with the origins of Christianity in the humble setting of a Bethlehem stable manger.