Greek Orthodox Basilica of Nativity, Bethlehem, West Bank, Palestine
Excerpt from Wikipedia:
The Church of the Nativity is a basilica located in Bethlehem, in the West Bank, Palestine.
The church was originally commissioned in 327 by Constantine the Great and his mother Helena over the site that was traditionally considered to be located over the cave that marks the birthplace of Jesus. The Church of the Nativity site's original basilica was completed in 339 and destroyed by fire during the Samaritan Revolts in the 6th century. A new basilica was built 565 by Justinian, the Byzantine Emperor, restoring the architectural tone of the original. The site of the Church of the Nativity has had numerous additions since this second construction, including its prominent bell towers. Due to its cultural and geographical history, the site holds a prominent religious significance to those of the Christian faith.
The site of the Church of the Nativity is a World Heritage Site, and was the first to be listed under Palestine by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The site is also on UNESCO's List of World Heritage in Danger. The Status Quo, a 250-year old understanding between religious communities, applies to the site.
The church is administered jointly by Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Armenian Apostolic and Syriac orthodox church authorities. All four traditions maintain monastic communities on the site.
The wider site connected to the Grotto of the Nativity where tradition states that Jesus of Nazareth was born, includes the Church of the Nativity itself, and the adjoining Roman Catholic Church of St. Catherine. Access to the crypt beneath the Church of the Nativity, which contains the Grotto, is possible from both churches, although the Grotto is separated by a normally closed door from the underground spaces of St Catherine's.
Greek Orthodox Basilica of Nativity, Bethlehem, West Bank, Palestine
Excerpt from Wikipedia:
The Church of the Nativity is a basilica located in Bethlehem, in the West Bank, Palestine.
The church was originally commissioned in 327 by Constantine the Great and his mother Helena over the site that was traditionally considered to be located over the cave that marks the birthplace of Jesus. The Church of the Nativity site's original basilica was completed in 339 and destroyed by fire during the Samaritan Revolts in the 6th century. A new basilica was built 565 by Justinian, the Byzantine Emperor, restoring the architectural tone of the original. The site of the Church of the Nativity has had numerous additions since this second construction, including its prominent bell towers. Due to its cultural and geographical history, the site holds a prominent religious significance to those of the Christian faith.
The site of the Church of the Nativity is a World Heritage Site, and was the first to be listed under Palestine by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The site is also on UNESCO's List of World Heritage in Danger. The Status Quo, a 250-year old understanding between religious communities, applies to the site.
The church is administered jointly by Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Armenian Apostolic and Syriac orthodox church authorities. All four traditions maintain monastic communities on the site.
The wider site connected to the Grotto of the Nativity where tradition states that Jesus of Nazareth was born, includes the Church of the Nativity itself, and the adjoining Roman Catholic Church of St. Catherine. Access to the crypt beneath the Church of the Nativity, which contains the Grotto, is possible from both churches, although the Grotto is separated by a normally closed door from the underground spaces of St Catherine's.