Church of the Nativity
The Church of the Nativity is recognized as the world's oldest church still in use today, with its origins dating back to the 4th century. The original basilica was constructed under the patronage of Helena, the mother of Constantine, who embarked on a pilgrimage to the sites associated with the life of Jesus Christ in 325 AD.
Guided by her profound faith, Helena selected the Grotto of the Nativity, the traditional birthplace of Jesus, as the site for the new church. The basilica, consecrated in 339 AD, was a remarkable architectural and spiritual achievement, built in the imperial style with a central nave and four large lateral aisles. Its magnificent mosaic floor, discovered in 1934, remains a testament to the artistry of its creators.
Unfortunately, the original basilica was destroyed during the 6th-century Samaritan revolt. However, its legacy was preserved by Byzantine Emperor Justinian, who ordered its reconstruction and expansion in 529 AD. Under Justinian's patronage, the Church of the Nativity was transformed into the most beautiful ecclesiastical structure in the Holy Land, with the addition of a narthex, a vast apse, and large transepts.
Throughout the centuries, the Church of the Nativity has been a site of reverence, restoration, and sometimes, conflict. Significant renovations were undertaken by the Crusaders and Greeks between 1165-1169, incorporating cedar wood, lead, new marble pavements, and polychrome mosaics depicting the genealogy of Christ and Christian doctrine. The church has also been a coveted shrine, hosting the coronations of Crusader kings and serving as the center of disputes between various Christian communities.
Despite the challenges it has faced, the Church of the Nativity has remained a major destination for Christian pilgrims and non-Christian visitors from around the world, providing a tangible connection to the birth of Jesus Christ. In recent years, concerted efforts have been made to restore the church’s collapsed roof and significant parts of it by a Palestinian presidential committee that has overseen fundraising efforts and the restoration work. In 2012, the church was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, in recognition of its immense historical and cultural significance.