WHS#65

I visited Bethlehem in May 2018 on a day trip from Jerusalem. Its Church of the Nativity is one of the holiest sites of Christianity in the world, probably only second to The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. As a Christian, it was definitely a no-brainer to go and see it for myself. The complex is made up of several churches and religious structures, but I only visited 2. First was the Church of St. Catherine, the Catholic church. It was a simple neo-gothic church painted in bright colors. Nothing much to see here, but the caves under the church were once refuge for St. Jerome, and are continuations to the one where Jesus was actually born, which is right under the Greek Orthodox Church of the Nativity. Speaking of which, it's right next door, and a small side entrance connects it to the courtyard in front of St. Catherine's. One has to bend over to get in, which makes it really practical to bow in respect of the holiness of the place. It was also used to keep horses out of the church. Once inside, it's really disorganized. This is one of the oldest churches in the world, and likewise, the nave is lined with Roman columns. In front is the characteristic Greek Orthodox altar, with its red and gold lanterns hanging from the ceiling. The walls are plastered bare, save for a few stretches of brilliant gold Byzantine mosaics. It's a really characteristic and obviously historic, though not necessarily pretty, church. Of course, I lined up for the chance to touch the star signifying the spot where Jesus was born, and that was a really indescribable spiritual experience. In the end, Bethlehem is of undeniable significance to the world, as it's the birthplace of one of the history's most influential figures, and it still shows today in the form of the churches and pilgrimage culture of the site. The site by itself is as unique show of history, though not necessarily in the best state of preservation or aesthetics. It showcases not just the origins of the site, but the effects of more recent cultural influences, and with a level of integrity greater than other pilgrimage sites I've visited in the area, like Nazareth, Bethany beyond the Jordan, or Ein Karem. It may not compare to nearby Jerusalem, or the old churches of Cairo in that respect, but Bethlehem has its own undeniable significance in the world. Gold mosaics never hurt, either.