Christian Information Center · DIY Tours
Bethlehem
Bethlehem, the “House of Bread,” lies about 10 km south of Jerusalem in Palestinian Authority territory. See “Crossing into Bethlehem” earlier in this guide before you set out, and remember to bring your passport. By public transport, take bus 231 or 234 from the stand opposite Damascus Gate (see the CIC’s Arab Bus page, linked in Quick Reference, for the current timetable).
| If you have… | Do this |
|---|---|
| 1 day | The Basilica of the Nativity, St. Catherine’s, the Milk Grotto and the Shepherds’ Field (Day 1 below). |
| 2 days | Add Herodium, the Hortus Conclusus and a walk down Star Street to meet the local Christian community (Day 1 + Day 2 below). |
Day 1 — The Humble Birth & the Shepherds’ Joy
Focus: the humanity of Christ and God’s revelation to the lowly
Stop 1
The Basilica of the Nativity & the Grotto
Tradition holds that the Grotto of the Nativity is where Christ was born to the Virgin Mary. Enter through the Door of Humility — a tiny opening that forces every pilgrim to bow — and touch the silver star marking the traditional site of the birth.
“She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger.” (Luke 2:7)
Dress code: shoulders and knees covered.
Tip: the Grotto itself is small and queues can be long at midday — visit early morning or late afternoon.
Stop 2
St. Catherine’s Church & the Caves
The Franciscan parish church next to the Basilica. Below are the caves of the Holy Innocents and the Cell of St. Jerome, where he translated the Bible into Latin (the Vulgate).
Note: the Christmas Eve Midnight Mass broadcast worldwide is celebrated here.
↗ Custody of the Holy Land — Basilica of the Nativity complex (incl. St. Catherine’s)
Stop 3
The Milk Grotto
A short walk from Manger Square. Tradition says a drop of Mary’s milk fell here while she nursed Jesus before the flight into Egypt, turning the rock white. It is a place of prayer for families and for those seeking the gift of children.
“Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt.” (Matthew 2:13)
↗ Custody of the Holy Land — Basilica of the Nativity complex (incl. Milk Grotto)
Stop 4
The Shepherds’ Field (Beit Sahour)
A Franciscan sanctuary designed to recall a shepherd’s tent, on the edge of Bethlehem. Here God first revealed the news of the Nativity to the poorest and most marginal people of the time.
“Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened.” (Luke 2:15)
Tip: visit the natural caves on-site to see how shepherds lived two thousand years ago.
Day 2 — Persistence, Protection & Modern Witness
Focus: the ongoing story of the Christian community in the Holy Land
Stop 1
Herodium
The fortress-tomb of King Herod the Great, visible on the horizon from Bethlehem — a striking contrast between Herod’s kingdom of stone and fear, and the eternal Kingdom born nearby in a cave.
“Where is he who has been born king of the Jews?” (Matthew 2:2)
Fee: national park entrance fee applies.
Stop 2
The Monastery of Hortus Conclusus (Artas)
In a lush valley near Solomon’s Pools, this “enclosed garden” is a traditional title for the Virgin Mary — a peaceful place for reflection on Mary’s purity.
“A garden locked is my sister, my bride.” (Song of Songs 4:12)
Stop 3
The Living Stones (Bethlehem Old City & Star Street)
Walk down Star Street, the traditional path of the Magi, and meet the “Living Stones” — the local Christian community. Buying olive-wood carvings here directly supports the suffering Church in the Holy Land.
The Pilgrim’s Digital Backpack — Bethlehem Edition
| Feature | Good to know |
|---|---|
| Crossing | Bring your passport. Cross via Checkpoint 300 on foot or by authorized taxi; allow extra time. |
| Transport | Private or licensed “service” taxi from Jerusalem; Israeli rental cars usually cannot enter. |
| Dining | Manger Square and its surrounding streets have restaurants serving traditional Palestinian food. |
| Shopping | Olive-wood nativity sets and rosaries from Bethlehem workshops make meaningful, faith-supporting souvenirs. |
| Dress code | Shoulders and knees covered at the Basilica of the Nativity and St. Catherine’s. |
| Mass | Daily Masses are celebrated at St. Catherine’s; contact the FPO to reserve a specific time for a group. |
Plan Your Visit
Christian Information Center: Jaffa Gate, Jerusalem · +972-2-6272692
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