Coming2Israel.com - Christian Sites In and Around Bethlehem

  Bethlehem - The City of Jesus’ Birth.  Where it all started?  Plenty to see here for the Christian tourist coming to Israel. Bethlehem is located around 10 KMs south of Jerusalem.  In addition to being the city of the birthplace of Jesus, the Old Testament names Bethlehem as the city were King David is from. For a general overview of the city of Bethlehem, check out the Wikipedia Bethlehem page: Wikipedia Bethlehem 1)  Church of the Nativity.  Many say the church resides in the location of where Jesus was born.  This church is in the longest continuous use in Israel, from the 4th Century until today. Of course, be sure to spend some time in Manger Square and St. Catherine’s Church as well. Wikipedia Church of The Nativity Google Maps Church of The Nativity 2)  The Milk Grotto - The site where Mary and Joseph hid from Herod’s forces. It is said that a drop or Mary’s breast milk fell to the floor and turned the stone all white.  Many woman hoping to conceive make a pilgrimage to this place. Wikipedia Milk Grotto of Bethlehem: Sorry, we have not found a Wikipedia Page for this site… Google Maps Milk Grotto of Bethlehem 3)  Bayt Sahur – The Shepherd’s Field.  The site where the Shepherds heard the proclamation of the birth of Jesus Christ. Wikipedia Shepherd’s Field: Sorry, we have not found a Wikipedia Page for this site… Wikipedia Bayt Sahur (the town) Google Maps Bayt Sahur 4)  Mar Saba Monastery - It is considered to be one of the oldest inhabited monasteries in the world, and still maintains many of its ancient traditions. One in particular is the restriction on women entering the main compound. The only building that women can enter is the Women's Tower, near the main entrance. Wikipedia Mar Saba Monastery Google Maps Mar Saba Monastery 5)  The Town of Al-Khader. Home of the St. Georges Monastery and Solomon’s Pools. Wikipedia Town of Al-Khader Wikipedia St. George’s Monastery Google Maps St George’s Monastery Wikipedia Solomon’s Pools Google Maps Solomon’s Pools 6)  International Nativity Museum - Connected with the Salesian House Technical School. For more details and directions, go to the Salesian Bethlehem Website 7)  Monastery of St. Elias - According to tradition, Elijah rested here after fleeing the vengeance of Jezebel. Wikipedia Monastery of St. Elias Google Maps Monastery of St Elias 8)  The St. Theodosius Monastery Wikipedia St. Theodosius Monastery Google Maps St Theodosius Monastery 9)  Rachel’s Tomb - (Note: the entrance is from the Israeli side). Wikipedia Rachel’s Tomb Google Maps Rachel’s Tomb 10)  Cremisan Monastery and Cremisan Cellars - Built in 1885 on ruins of a 7th century Byzantine monastery. Wikipedia Cremisan Valley Area Google Maps Cremisan Monastery 11)  The Cave of the Patriarchs - also called the Cave of Machpelah (Hebron). Tradition of the double tombs of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, Jacob and Leah, considered the Patriarchs and Matriarchs of the Jewish people, who are all believed to be buried here. Wikipedia Cave of the Patriarchs Google Maps Cave of the Patriarchs 12)  Herodium. Summer home of Herod the Great? Although not specifically a Christian site, it would be a shame to miss this amazing place. Wikipedia Herodium Google Maps Herodium

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