Bethlehem Governorate

Best things to do in Bethlehem Governorate

Bethlehem Essentials

Bethlehem centers on Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity, a UNESCO World Heritage site built over the traditional birthplace of Jesus. The historic Old City features limestone architecture and the ancient Star Street pilgrimage route. Beyond the religious core, the region includes King Herod’s fortress at Herodion and the 5th-century Mar Saba monastery built into the Kidron Valley cliffs. Cultural sites like the Palestinian Heritage Center and contemporary street art by Banksy reflect the city's complex modern history and enduring traditions.

Bethlehem Essentials — Map

Neil Ward / CC BY 2.0

A

Church of the Nativity

The Church of the Nativity, or Basilica of the Nativity, is a basilica located in Bethlehem in the West Bank, Palestine.

B

Birthplace of Jesus

A 14-pointed silver star set into a marble floor marks the traditional subterranean grotto where Jesus was born, located beneath the main altar of the Church of the Nativity.

Sygic Traveler / All rights reserved

C

Bethlehem Old City

Come and experience the wonders of the ancient city of Bethlehem, an essential religious site described in the New Testament as the…

Antoine Taveneaux / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Chapel of the Milk Grotto

This chapel takes its name after a story about Mary dropping milk here while nursing Jesus.

E

Church of Saint Catherine

This Roman Catholic church adjacent to the Church of the Nativity is the site of the televised Christmas Eve Midnight Mass and features a 12th-century Crusader cloister.

F

Rachel's Tomb

The burial place of the biblical matriarch Rachel, this site is a significant place of prayer at the northern entrance of the city, housed within a fortified structure.

Asaf T. / Public domain

G

Herodion Ruins

Herodion, Herodium, or Jabal al-Fureidis is an ancient fortress located 12 kilometres south of Jerusalem and 5 kilometres southeast of…

Kaasmail / Public domain

H

Mar Saba Church

The Holy Lavra of Saint Sabbas, known in Arabic and Syriac as Mar Saba and historically as the Great Laura of Saint Sabas, is a Greek…

Tiamat / CC BY-SA 3.0

I

Palestinian Heritage Center

This cultural center preserves local traditions through exhibits of hand-embroidered textiles, traditional costumes, and a recreation of a Bedouin tent.

J

Banksy Angel

A piece of political street art by the anonymous artist Banksy, depicting a mourning angel, located near the separation wall.

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