Located in the heart of the West Bank, the city of Bethlehem is home to the ancient ruins of Herodion, an important archaeological site with a long and fascinating history. Herodion was once the fortified palace of King Herod the Great, the famous ruler of Judea from 37 to 4 BC. Today, the site is a popular tourist destination, offering visitors the chance to explore the ruins and learn about the region’s history. Here are 10 things to do in Herodion, Bethlehem, Palestine.
1. Visit the Herodion National Park: Located just a few kilometers south of Bethlehem, the Herodion National Park is a great place to explore the ruins of Herodion. Here, visitors can take a guided tour of the site, learning about the history of the palace and the surrounding area. The park also offers a variety of activities, such as hikes, cycling, and bird watching.
2. Explore the Museum of Herod the Great: This museum is located within the Herodion National Park and offers visitors an in-depth look at the life and legacy of Herod the Great. The museum features a variety of artifacts and displays, including pottery, coins, and sculptures.
3. Climb the Ramparts: The Ramparts of Herodion are a series of walls and fortifications that were built around the palace. Visitors can climb the walls and explore the ruins, getting a unique perspective of the site.
4. Visit the Church of the Nativity: Located in the center of Bethlehem, the Church of the Nativity is a major pilgrimage site for Christians. The church is said to be the birthplace of Jesus and is home to a variety of artworks and artifacts.
5. Explore the Cave of the Shepherds: Located near the Church of the Nativity, the Cave of the Shepherds is believed to be the place where the angel Gabriel appeared to the shepherds to announce the birth of Jesus. The cave is open to visitors and features a variety of religious artifacts and artwork.
6. Visit the Milk Grotto: Located in the city of Bethlehem, the Milk Grotto is a small cave where, according to tradition, the Holy Family hid during the Massacre of the Innocents. The cave is said to have been miraculously stained white by the milk of the Virgin Mary.
7. Explore the Walled City of Jerusalem: Located just a few kilometers away from Bethlehem, the Walled City of Jerusalem is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. Here, visitors can explore the winding streets and alleyways, admiring the city’s ancient architecture and monuments.
8. Visit the Tomb of Rachel: Located just outside of Bethlehem, the Tomb of Rachel is a major pilgrimage site for Jews and Christians alike. According to the Bible, Rachel was the wife of Jacob and the mother of Joseph and Benjamin.
9. Visit the Dead Sea: Located just a few kilometers from Bethlehem, the Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth. Here, visitors can float in the salty waters and enjoy the therapeutic mud baths.
10. Visit the Jordan River: Located just a few kilometers from Bethlehem, the Jordan River is a major pilgrimage site for Jews and Christians alike. Here, visitors can take a dip in the river and explore the surrounding area.
Whether you’re looking to explore the ruins of Herodion or take a dip in the Jordan River, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Bethlehem, Palestine. From visiting the Church of the Nativity to exploring the Walled City of Jerusalem, there’s something for everyone in this historic city.