Famous Places
The Church of the Nativity:
Built in 326, this church is the first of the town's many churches, monasteries and convents. It's on a rocky place that Christians believe is where Jesus was born.
Rachel's Tomb:
This Jewish site honors Rachel, Jacob's wife. who is also revered by Christians and Muslims.
Who wrote the song "O Little Town Of Bethlehem"?
It was written by Phillips Brooks, an Episcopal priest from Boston. He wrote it in 1868 after visiting the city three years earlier.
He had ridden a horse over the rocky hills from Jerusalem to Bethlehem. That's where he visited the Church of the Nativity on Christmas Eve.
What was the city like when Jesus was born?
Bethlehem was a small town, with maybe only a few hundred residents. Most of the families where shephereds or tradesmen.
Whats it Like Now?
About 30,000 people live in Bethlehem. Times are tough. There is fighting between Israelis and Palestinians. It has gone on for many years, and it has flared up again the past four years. That means fewer tourist go to Bethlehem, so many shops and hotels are making less money.
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