CHURCH BUILDING
Church of the Nativity
Bethlehem · Greek Orthodox, Armenian Apostolic and Roman Catholic shared custody
A brief history
Bethlehem is identified in Christian tradition as the birthplace of Jesus, and a church has stood over the venerated grotto since the fourth century. The present basilica largely reflects a sixth-century rebuilding under Justinian after the first church was damaged. UNESCO inscribed the church and its pilgrimage route as a World Heritage Site in 2012. Custody of the building is shared between the Greek Orthodox, Armenian Apostolic and Roman Catholic communities.
An interesting detail
The main entrance was reduced over time to a very low opening, known as the Door of Humility, so that visitors must stoop to enter.