Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity is one of the oldest churches in the world, and also the most biblically significant, for it is built upon the alleged site of Jesus’ birth. The exact spot is in fact a cave below the altar, accessed by stone steps, which has been venerated as the location of Christ’s birth since around 160AD.
The tiny door to the church – called the Door of Humility – was created in Ottoman times to prevent carts being driven in by potential looters. This meant even the most important of visitors were forced to dismount their horses and enter on foot like everyone else. Inside the church, a large amount of reconstruction work is currently underway, with the nave and ceiling covered in scaffolding.
The Grotto of the Nativity, below the altar, occasionally has a short queue before entering, where there is the opportunity to purchase a candle from the church. The exact birth spot is marked by a silver star in the marble floor, with the Latin inscription: “Here of the Virgin Mary Jesus Christ was born.” Fifteen lamps hang above the star, creating a serene and enchanting mood.