The Church of the Nativity, or Basilica of the Nativity, is a basilica located in Bethlehem, West Bank, Palestine. The grotto holds a prominent religious significance to Christians of various denominations as the birthplace of Jesus. The grotto is the oldest site continuously used as a place of worship in Christianity, and the basilica is the oldest major church in the Holy Land.
Facade of the Church of the Nativity (left) and Armenian monastery (right), 2012
The basilica and grounds as they were depicted in a work published in 1487
The wooden Armenian door in the narthex of the Nativity Church, 1227
The Grotto of the Nativity, painted by Luigi Mayer, late 18th century
Bethlehem is a city in the Israeli-occupied West Bank of the State of Palestine, located about ten kilometres south of Jerusalem. It is the capital of the Bethlehem Governorate, and has a population of approximately 25,000 people. The city's economy is largely tourist-driven; international tourism peaks around and during Christmas, when Christians embark on a pilgrimage to the Church of the Nativity, revered as the location of the Nativity of Jesus.
From top, left to right: Church of the Nativity, Graffiti on the Israeli West Bank barrier, Chapel of the Milk Grotto, Mosque of Omar in Manger Square, Church of St. Catherine and skyline of the city
Adoration of the Shepherds (1622) by the Dutch painter Gerard van Honthorst. According to the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, Jesus was born in Bethlehem.
1698 sketch by Cornelis de Bruijn
A painting of Bethlehem by Vasily Polenov, 1882
