Ambitious restoration project at Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity

Bethlehem’s Church of Nativity, a world heritage site located at the site traditionally associated with the birthplace of Jesus Christ, was first completed in the 4th century CE. While the church was rebuilt two centuries later following a fire, the elaborate mosaic floors from the original church were retained.

Having into the 21st century having survived earthquakes, sieges and (perhaps most destructively) leaking roofs, the Palestinian Authority launched a major renovation project in 2013 costing  approximately USD25 million. While the renovation work was still very much in evidence at the time of my visit to the church last year, impressive results are beginning to emerge, as reported by the Financial Times this week. In particular, tweltfh century mosaics have been restored to their former glory, giving visitors a chance to see them as they would have been seen by Christian pilgrims visiting the site in centuries past.

The restoration project will reportedly continue over the next three years, focussing on the church’s capitals columns, stone floor and floor mosaics. I look forward to seeing the end result.