One of the oldest operating Christian churches in the world, it has been recognized to mark the birthplace of Jesus Christ since the 2nd century. It is thus a prime pilgrimage site and a major Christian religious site that was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012.
The original church completed in 339 AD was replaced with a basilica in the 6th century. It is believed to be built over the cave where Christ was born - the holy site is known as the Grotto. Apart from that, note the columns decorated with paintings of saints and the mosaics on the floor and the walls.
Summer: 6:30 am - 7:30 pm
Winter: 5:30 am - 6 pm
Closed on Sunday mornings.
Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_the_Nativity
Official website http://www.bethlehem.custodia.org/default.asp?id=558
More information http://www.sacred-destinations.com/israel/bethlehem-church-of-the-nativity
UNESCO website http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1433
Address Bethlehem, Palestinian Territories
Coordinates 31°42'15.472" N 35°12'26.869" E
