10 things to do in The Monastery of St. George Bethlehem Palestine
The Monastery of St. George in Bethlehem, Palestine is an important religious site for both Christians and Muslims. It is the birthplace of Jesus Christ and the site of the Church of the Nativity, the oldest continuously operating Christian church in the world. The monastery is also home to a number of other important religious sites, including the Church of the Shepherds and the Grotto of the Nativity. Here are 10 things to do when visiting the Monastery of St. George in Bethlehem, Palestine.
1. Visit the Church of the Nativity: The Church of the Nativity is the oldest continuously operating Christian church in the world and the primary attraction of the Monastery of St. George. The church was built on the site where Jesus was born and it is believed to have been constructed in the 4th century. Inside the church, visitors can view the Grotto of the Nativity, a small cave that is believed to be the exact spot where Jesus was born.
2. Explore the Grotto of the Nativity: The Grotto of the Nativity is the most sacred site in the Monastery of St. George. It is believed to be the exact spot where Jesus was born and is marked by a small silver star in the floor. Visitors can explore the grotto and marvel at the beauty of the ancient stone walls and ceiling.
3. Visit the Church of the Shepherds: The Church of the Shepherds is located just outside the Church of the Nativity and is believed to be the site where the shepherds first heard the news of Jesus’ birth. The church is decorated with a number of beautiful frescoes and mosaics and is a must-see attraction for any visitor to the Monastery of St. George.
4. Take a Guided Tour: The Monastery of St. George offers a number of guided tours that provide visitors with an in-depth look at the history and significance of the site. Tours typically include visits to the Church of the Nativity, the Grotto of the Nativity, and the Church of the Shepherds.
5. Attend a Service: The Monastery of St. George is a popular destination for religious pilgrims, and visitors can attend a service in the Church of the Nativity. Services are held in both English and Arabic and typically include readings from the Bible and traditional hymns.
6. Visit the Garden of Gethsemane: Located just outside the Monastery of St. George is the Garden of Gethsemane, the site where Jesus prayed before his arrest. The garden is home to a number of olive trees, believed to be the same trees that Jesus prayed beneath.
7. Explore the Monastery of St. George: The Monastery of St. George is home to a number of important religious sites, including the Church of the Nativity, the Grotto of the Nativity, and the Church of the Shepherds. Visitors can explore the monastery grounds and take in the beauty of the ancient stone buildings.
8. Visit the Tomb of Rachel: Located just outside the Monastery of St. George is the Tomb of Rachel, the matriarch of the Jewish people. The tomb is believed to be the final resting place of Rachel and is a popular destination for religious pilgrims.
9. Visit the Milk Grotto: The Milk Grotto is a small cave located just outside the Monastery of St. George. Legend has it that this is where Mary and Joseph took refuge from King Herod’s soldiers and where Mary nursed Jesus. The walls of the cave are said to have turned white from the milk that spilt from Mary’s breast.
10. Take a Pilgrimage: Many religious pilgrims visit the Monastery of St. George each year to take part in a pilgrimage. Pilgrims typically walk the Via Dolorosa, a route that follows the path Jesus took on the day of his crucifixion, and visit the various religious sites located in the area.
The Monastery of St. George in Bethlehem, Palestine is a must-see destination for any traveler. Whether you’re looking to explore the ancient religious sites or take part in a pilgrimage, the Monastery of St. George is sure to be an unforgettable experience.