The Church of the Nativity is fairly nondescript from the outside and is one of the oldest continuously operating churches in the world. The structure is built over the cave that tradition marks as the birthplace of Jesus and it is considered sacred by Christians, as well as being revered by followers of Islam.
The main Basilica of the Nativity is maintained by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem. It is designed like a typical Roman basilica, with five aisles (formed by Corinthian columns) and an apse in the eastern end, where the sanctuary is. The church features golden mosaics covering the side walls, which are now largely decayed. The basilica is entered through a very low door about four foot tall, called the ‘Door of Humility.’ In truth it was bricked up hundred of years ago to stop horseman riding into the Church.
The sanctuary itself is at the far end and is built over the cave where it is said Christ was born. The chandeliers were donated by the Czar of Russia.
This is the exit side of the grotto.
The entrance side features huge queues packed into the Church. Every day people are turned away disappointed unable to get into the cave.
The cave itself is incredibly tiny and usually unbearably hot with literally over a hundred so people trying to pack in. Here you can see a pilgrim kneeling to kiss the exact spot where it is said Christ was born.
The star marks the spot.
The day I was there the cave was packed with Russian pilgrims who were holding a service. I was just about to leave and they all dropped to their knees trapping me in there for a further twenty minutes.
Outside Bethlehem looks like any other part of Palestine.
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