Restoration works are set to begin at the Grotto of the Nativity in Bethlehem, one of Christianity’s most venerated sites and traditionally revered as the birthplace of Jesus. The project marks the first major intervention at the grotto in approximately six centuries and has been announced jointly by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Custody of the Holy Land. The initiative is being carried out in cooperation with the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Patriarchate and under the auspices of the Presidency of the State of Palestine. Church authorities described the restoration as a necessary step to preserve a site of exceptional spiritual and historical significance, emphasizing that the work will respect long standing agreements governing the management and care of holy places in the city of Bethlehem.
The restoration follows a presidential decree issued in 2024 and adheres to the historic status quo regulating Christian holy sites in the Holy Land. The project gained international attention in late 2025 when Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas referenced the planned works during an official visit to Rome, including meetings with Church leaders and cultural engagements. He described the initiative as a symbol of hope for Bethlehem and the wider region, highlighting its spiritual and cultural importance at a time of prolonged political and social strain. Church representatives noted that the grotto is revered across Christian traditions, making its preservation a shared responsibility that transcends confessional boundaries and reflects a collective commitment to safeguarding Christian heritage.
The restoration project has been entrusted to an Italian firm based in Prato, selected for its previous work on the Basilica of the Nativity completed two years earlier. According to Church officials, the decision was made to ensure continuity in technical approach, craftsmanship, and sensitivity toward the sacred character of the site. Planned interventions include conservation of the natural rock, marble flooring, columns, decorative elements, and the star marking the traditional location of Christ’s birth. Technical reinforcement will also be carried out in adjacent areas to protect the overall structure of the sanctuary. Preparatory phases have been completed, and the start of on site work is expected shortly.
Beyond its religious and cultural dimensions, the restoration is expected to provide economic support to the local community. The project will employ trained local workers and artisans, offering income opportunities in a city that has faced significant economic hardship. Bethlehem’s economy has been affected by regional conflict and a prolonged decline in pilgrimages, although visitor numbers have shown signs of gradual recovery. Church leaders described the restoration as both a spiritual and social investment, aimed at sustaining Christian presence in the Holy Land while preserving a site that continues to attract pilgrims from around the world and holds enduring significance for global Christianity.
