The Church of the Nativity is the spiritual heart of Bethlehem — and for millions of people around the world, it marks the very spot where Jesus Christ was born. This ancient basilica, located at the eastern edge of Manger Square, is one of the oldest continuously operating churches in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The original structure was built in the 4th century by Emperor Constantine and Empress Helena, over the grotto believed to be the birthplace of Christ. It was destroyed during a Samaritan revolt in the 6th century and rebuilt by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in 565 AD — much of this structure still stands today.

Over the centuries, the church has undergone numerous restorations and additions. The Crusaders, who arrived in the 12th century, added decorative elements, wall paintings, and the marble façade over the grotto. Later, during the Ottoman period, the church was preserved with periodic repairs, though it suffered from neglect and political instability. Ottoman authorities allowed the local Christian communities to maintain control under the system of shared custodianship that continues to this day.

Today, the site is maintained by the Greek Orthodox, Armenian Apostolic, and Roman Catholic Churches, and remains a powerful symbol of faith, continuity, and resilience in the Holy Land.