Bethlehem Travel

Bethlehem is a major destination for Christian pilgrims worldwide. It is a town south of Jerusalem in the West Bank. This sacred place is not just a place to tour or travel to, but a spiritual moment in one’s life. While this is no longer the town sung about in Christmas music, the stories of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are embedded within the streets, stones, and churches of this city pulsating with life and people.

The city hums with life, traffic, and streets filled with awe-inspired people trying to keep up with their busy tour guides. Every Christian denomination can be found here: Catholic, Orthodox, Syriac, and even Lutheran have there own representation in this city.

For those that aren’t in Bethlehem for spiritual reasons, the city teems with plenty to do and see. There are the Mar Saba Monastery, Old City and bazaar, not to mention other numerous sites around this busy town. For many, coming here is also a form of artistic expression, and many street artists litter the street. Most famously being British street artist Banksy who has changed the Israeli Separation Wall that divides Bethlehem Trip from Jerusalem in a large canvas of art to charge the senses.

Bethlehem offers a myriad of places and things to see within its city limits and even outside of them. The city’s rich history is as extensive as Israel’s itself, and the proper tour guide can help you fit it all in. Bethlehem travel is a must-see if you’re here for the birthplace of Jesus, you want to extend your tour from Jerusalem or if you need a break from the nightlife of Tel Aviv.

The Top Sights in Bethlehem       

       

Touring Bethlehem can be more than a spiritual event but also an exciting one. It is easy to lose oneself in the history and bustle of this city, and the attractions are more than enough to keep your interest for years to come. Even if you’re here for a pilgrimage, visiting these sites will keep you in awe as the history of these locations never fail to amaze.

1.       Mar Saba Monastery: When it comes to a journey through the Holy Land, Mar Saba Monastery, founded in 439 CE, is a short 20km drive east of this renowned city. Women must view the copper-domed hermitage from the opposite slope as only men are permitted inside.

2.       Church of the Nativity: Tours in Bethlehem aren’t complete without visiting the Church of the Nativity. Every year, millions of pilgrims visit Bethlehem. It is believed that the church was built on the spot where Jesus was born and was an early commission of Emperor Constantine in 326 CE.

3.       Solomon’s Pools: These natural springs fill large reservoirs that supplied water to Jerusalem and Herodium during ancient Rome. It is also the place where King Solomon had supposedly written the Song of Solomon.

4.       Rachel’s Tomb: Near the main checkpoint into town in a corridor created by Israel’s separation wall stands the tomb. It is said that Rachel died while giving birth and her husband, Jacob, set up a pillar on her grave to mark where she died.

5.       Souq: Also known as the Green Market by the locals offers fruits and vegetables, delicious foods, fish and meat, trinkets galore, and even shoes. It was established in 1929 and is a must-see place to visit.

6.       Al Rowwad Centre: This place is best visited with an organized tour as it is covered by the narrow streets of the Aida refugee camp. Information here about the history of the camp is immense.

7.       Herodium: One of Bethlehem’s attractions is Herodium. This fortress-palace, built sometime between 23 and 15 BCE by King Herod as known as a mountain of Paradise.

8.       The Separation Wall: This is a must-see for anyone traveling to Bethlehem. It is an 8-foot wall that marks the border between Israel and Palestine. It is a harsh reminder of the world we live in but is equally mind-blowing in its sheer existence. The wall is also home to two Bansky pieces of art which refer to freedom and lack of privilege relating to the relationship between Israel and Palestine.

9.       The Walled-Off Hotel: This building isn’t just a hotel, but a piece of art. In 2017, it was established by Banksy and opens up onto the Separation Wall.

Visiting Bethlehem is the perfect day trip from Jerusalem. For those wanting more, tour guides offer many options for extended visits to make the most out this captivating city. Discovering everything, there is in Bethlehem in one day may not be enough. Keep in mind; you may have to switch transportation with a Palestinian driver and guide as Israeli citizens are unable to enter the West Bank.

Bethlehem travel in Israel is a fantastic experience for all, including those who aren’t religious. It is a center of historical and cultural offerings and carries a unique atmosphere and a short trip from Jerusalem and a day trip from Tel Aviv. Bethlehem attractions are hard to miss, and professional private tour guides like Elijah Tours & Travel can help you navigate the crowds easier.

While the idea of Palestine or West Bank may cause some to pause, the rest jump at the opportunity to travel to Bethlehem, make sure you carry your passport as tourists aren’t restricted into passing into Palestinian territory. While visiting can be done on your own, a private tour will help alleviate any fears or issues you may have with your trip to Bethlehem. While it holds a visual reminder of the problematic political situation both sides are on, your journey won’t be hindered much, and you’ll still be free to tour and travel within Bethlehem. With a city so rich in history and culture, its well worth the trip. All its myriad places and stops to see, the town is a gem in the rough and offers up enough food and art, along with spirituality to feed the soul.

Daily Israel Tours

Daily Israel Tours can fully satiate your wanderlust

Trust me; Israel is worth your time and effort. Israel has breathtaking, mesmerizing views, ranging from Biblical ruins to Crusader fortresses to WWII memorials to cosmopolitan cities, every sight is worth exploring.

One thing more that goes in Israel’s favor is, it’s one of the easiest places to tour — owing to its excellent bus system that puts any city within reach.

Enjoy daily Israel tours to Bethlehem, 3 day daily Bethlehem tours, with Elijah tours.

Bethlehem, famous as the birthplace of Jesus has the most breathtaking sights in the world. Every year, plethora of tourists visit Bethlehem, however, there’s a little problem, it’s easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of the streets and the compact buildings, hence, navigating Bethlehem on your own especially when you’re not a local is next to impossible.

Church of the Nativity

Birthplace of Jesus

The beautiful site has been known to build over the place of Jesus ‘birth. However, in the second century, a church was constructed in the very same place. The church features the original mosaics of the first church, terraced gardens, as well as Latin, Greek Orthodox, and Armenian convents. Don’t forget to take their pilgrimage walking route in order to make the most of this amazing site,

Mar Saba Monastery

Monastery in the side of a mountain

Perched on the side of a cliff, with some striking walking and hiking routes close by, and oversees the beautiful canyon is, The Mar Saba monastery. One can enjoy the view of the  Kidron Valley by The Mar Saba monastery. Its views are most enjoyed at sunset after a hike when monastery is molded into the side of the cliff and protruding rock becomes smooth stone of the same color. The wall themselves serve as the true wonders of the site. You got to come and enjoy the sight of this beautiful monastery.

Sanctuary

Sixth century church

A true fairy tale, that’s how one can describe, The Sanctuary of Bethlehem. If you want to learn about the history of the history of Bethlehem, the Sanctuary is the perfect place to visit. The site offers some unique and wonderful aspects. The most interesting thing I found about the church is its interior that has been miraculously preserved since the sixth century. The church has maintained some of its ancient and astonishing features. For those of you with good taste, the visit to Sanctuary is is a must.

Milk Grotto

Experience the legends of Bethlehem

Milk Grotto is an absolute treat for history and literature lovers. Till date, local women, both Muslim and Christian, still go to the Grotto to pray for Mother Mary’s intercession. The myth of this location is quite a fascinating one and is based on the rumor that Mary once spilled some of her milk here while feeding Jesus. It is also believed that this is the reason why the stone is still white in color. Additionally, it also believed that the innocent babies killed by Herod on the night of Jesus’ birth have also been buried here.

Old Bethlehem Museum

Museum in 19th Century Palestinian home

A typical nineteenth century Palestinian home is where The Old Bethlehem museum is located at; which greatly contributes to a visitor’s sense of authenticity and makes the experience all the more worthwhile. Everything inside the museum boasts of Palestinian life and culture. They have early twentieth century Palestinian collection of native costumes and images. Furthermore, embroidery made by the Bethlehem Arab Women’s Union is available for purchase at an embroidery center which is located upstairs

Church of St. Catherine

In memory of St. Catherine

The church takes its name from St. Catherine of Alexandria. It is believed that this is the place at which her martyrdom was predicted by Jesus Christ. After her death, St. Catherine was buried at Mount Sinai. The church was built in honor of her life.

So you must visit Israel if you want to experience the following things, Biblical ruins, sites and cities that you most often hear of and have always dreamed of visiting. And if want to float in the Dead Sea, learn and educate yourself on all religions, appreciate the beautiful nature of the Middle East and visit sacred sites, museums, Jewish quarters AND Arab markets.