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Home > Attractions > Church of the Nativity

Church of the Nativity

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TripAdvisor Reviews

Church of the Nativity, Manger Square, Bethlehem
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The Church of the Nativity is one of the holiest sites in Christian tradition, which holds that the church was built on top of the cave where Jesus of Nazareth was born. The church was first built under the auspices of the Roman emperor Constantine the Great in 135 AD and has been refurbished and added to numerous times since. Inside the church, you can visit the Milk Grotto, which is said to be the actual cave where Mary gave birth to Jesus.

The church is a popular tourist destination year-round and the site of a particularly festive celebration on Christmas, when masses of people from all over the world gather inside and outside the church for services that are shown on a large screen in Manger Square.

The site is also holy to Muslims, who consider Jesus one of the prophets of Allah, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

TripAdvisor Reviews

TripAdvisor Reviews

Based on 2225 traveler reviews

New

“one of the ancient Church in the Middle East”

Reviewed 4 days agoBy Navigator778999Thrissur, India

This church and the locality is controlled by Palestinian police. Totally dis organized system. Very crowded with long ques. Some clever guides are taking their pilgrims without spending time in the line. They take people through the exit point and show the birthplace of Jesus and Manger. Many pilgrims are disappointed due to the...

This church and the locality is controlled by Palestinian police. Totally dis organized system. Very crowded with long ques. Some clever guides are taking their pilgrims without spending time in the line. They take people through the exit point and show the birthplace of Jesus and Manger. Many pilgrims are disappointed due to the crowd and misbehaving of guides.

New

“Great church”

Reviewed 4 days agoBy IlyaNJMarlboro, New Jersey

One of the holiest sites in Christendom, it can certainly be challenging to enjoy due to crowds. However, if you are a secular visitor and have a professional guide in your employ, you can bypass some of the lines and get to see all there is to see with minimal hustle. The church is...

One of the holiest sites in Christendom, it can certainly be challenging to enjoy due to crowds. However, if you are a secular visitor and have a professional guide in your employ, you can bypass some of the lines and get to see all there is to see with minimal hustle. The church is shared by 3 denominations and has a number of very interesting and evocative details, so very much worth a visit.

New

“Memorable holy sight”

Reviewed 4 days agoBy Mary IPhoenix, Arizona

I loved seeing this glorious building to an important historical event. The architecture was brilliant It had dedications from countries far and wide. Very memorable.

Near By (Up to 10 minutes walk)