Bethlehem: Restoration work is set to begin at the Grotto of the Nativity in Bethlehem, the place believed by Christians to be where Jesus was born. This will be the first major restoration of the grotto in about 600 years.
The announcement was made jointly by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Custody of the Holy Land. The Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Patriarchate is also taking part in the project, which is being carried out under the authority of the Palestinian government.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas had spoken about the project during his visit to Rome in November 2025, including in his meeting with Pope Leo XIV and at the opening of the exhibition Bethlehem Reborn. He said restoring the birthplace of Christ was a sign of hope and renewal for the whole Holy Land.
The work follows a presidential decree issued in 2024 and respects the long standing status quo that governs Christian holy places in Jerusalem and Bethlehem. The grotto is revered by Christians of different traditions and has long needed careful restoration.
The project has been given to an Italian company from the city of Prato, which recently completed restoration work on the Basilica of the Nativity. Church officials said the same company was chosen to ensure continuity in method and respect for the sacred character of the site. Preparatory work has already been completed and full restoration is about to begin.
The project will focus on the bare rock of the grotto, the marble floors, the columns, decorations, and the silver star that marks the traditional spot of Jesus’ birth. It will also include structural reinforcement in nearby areas to protect the entire complex.
Local workers trained in restoration will be employed for the project, helping many families in Bethlehem. The city’s economy has suffered in recent years due to the conflict between Israel and Hamas and the sharp drop in pilgrimages. Pilgrim visits are now slowly resuming.
Church leaders described the restoration as a sign of unity among Christians. In a joint statement, they said the project shows a shared commitment to preserve the spiritual, historical, and cultural heritage of the grotto for future generations.
They said the grotto is the place where the mystery of the Incarnation entered history and where Christian faith took visible form on earth. Restoring it, they said, helps protect the memory and devotion linked to the birthplace of Christ.
The statement added that through this joint effort, the Churches of Jerusalem are safeguarding the Gospel heritage entrusted to them and ensuring that believers from all traditions can continue to visit and pray at the site with respect.
From Bethlehem, the light of the Nativity, the statement said, continues to shine on the world as a sign of Christian presence in the Holy Land and of hope coming from the cave where Christians believe the Savior was born.