Bethlehem Private Half Day Tour

The first Church was built by the Roman Emperor Constantine in the 4th century AD, over the grotto where Mary gave birth to Jesus. Inside the grotto of the Nativity Church there are fourteen point silver stars that mark the exact spot of Jesus’ birth. An inscription on the star states: Hic de Virgin Maria Jesus Christus Natus Est – meaning “Here Jesus Christ was born to the Virgin Mary.”

Catherine’s Church is a peaceful, beautifully kept Catholic sanctuary. Known for its elegant arches and stained-glass windows, it’s where the midnight Christmas Mass is held each year. Beneath the church, ancient grottoes and chapels offer a quiet glimpse into early Christian devotion.

white-stone chapel built over a sacred cave. Tradition says the Holy Family stopped here during their flight to Egypt, and a drop of Mary’s milk turned the stone white. A place of prayer and hope, it’s especially cherished by those seeking blessings for fertility and motherhood.

At its center, the Church of the Nativity stands with its ancient façade and humble entrance, drawing pilgrims year-round. You'll see priests, tourists, and locals mingling, with church bells ringing and doves fluttering overhead — a scene rich in history and everyday life.