Monday, May 29, 2006

Church of the Nativity



Three entrances to the Church of the Nativity: The original entrance is the largest, with the lintel (sp?) across the top marking the gateway. Later the Crusaders built a curved arch, lower, and the present entrance, smaller still, was built by the Ottoman Empire in order to restrict access to horses. Below: Lily at the entrance, below that is the altar area.


The Church of the Nativity was quite a bit more enjoyable to explore and impressive to visit than was the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City. This is because there were far fewer visitors and the church is actually quite a bit older (to the 300s the guide said). Besides the grotto where Jesus was born, there were painted images left by the Crusaders, and, amazingly enough local church members who were just stopping by. Before the intefada, thousands of pilgrims and tourists visited, with lines to get in lasting hours. The day we visited there was one tour group, but they were easily diluted by the open spaces and quiet of the church.
This star marks the spot where it is said Jesus was born. It is located in a grotto below the Church of the Nativity. Lily in the Grotto, below, with the entrance below that. The small chapel is at the bottom.



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