Hosh Al Syrian
The Syrian Courtyard, also known as the Syrian Quarter, is located in the heart of the old city of Bethlehem, just a few meters from the Church of the Nativity and dates back to the period between the 17th and 20th centuries. Syriacs first arrived in Bethlehem in the mid-19th century as immigrants and refugees. They settled in the Courtyard, becoming an integral part of Bethlehem's social and religious fabric. However, due to political unrest in Palestine and the challenging economic conditions following the Israeli occupation of the city in 1967, many families and individuals emigrated from Bethlehem and the Courtyard, leaving only 20 families out of an original 400.
The Courtyard is distinguished by its interconnected courtyards, narrow passages, separate rooms—many of which were built as caves—along with stairs and arches, reflecting the architectural style of Bethlehem during that era.
During excavation work, numerous underground rooms were discovered, with more being found over time. To preserve its architectural and cultural heritage, the Courtyard was renovated and repurposed as a guesthouse, aiming to revive its history and cultural significance while increasing tourist visits to the old town.