The Vatican and Christian authorities in Jerusalem have announced plans to restore the Grotto of the Nativity in Bethlehem, the site long venerated as the birthplace of Jesus, marking the first major renovation there in roughly six centuries.
The restoration will be carried out jointly by the Vatican, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, and the Custody of the Holy Land. Officials said work will focus on preserving the cave’s structure and interior features, including the exposed rock, marble flooring, columns, decorations, and the silver star marking the traditional location of Christ’s birth, GB News reports.
The Italian firm Piacenti SpA, which previously completed restoration work on the Basilica of the Nativity above the grotto, will handle the project. The company is based in Tuscany and previously described work at the site as one of the most meaningful projects its restorers had undertaken.
Church leaders said the project is aimed at protecting the historic and spiritual importance of the site for future pilgrims. In a joint statement, Christian authorities said the effort reflects cooperation among churches responsible for maintaining the sanctuary and seeks to preserve the location for visitors from around the world.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the project, calling the restoration “a sign of great hope and rebirth for the whole Holy Land.”
The work comes as Bethlehem continues to deal with economic strain following a drop in tourism since the start of the Gaza conflict. The town relies heavily on pilgrimages and tourism, which sharply declined during the fighting.
Last month, Bethlehem lit its Christmas tree for the first time since the conflict began. Mayor Maher Canawati said the previous period had been extremely difficult for residents dependent on tourism.
“It’s been a bad two years of silence; no Christmas, no jobs, no work,” Canawati told the BBC. He added that continuing Christmas celebrations was important because “Christmas should never be stopped or cancelled.”
Local business owners also expressed hopes that visitors will return. Restaurant owner Alaa Salameh said families in the area are still struggling financially after the downturn, making celebrations more difficult this year.
Tour guide Hamza said the city depends on visitors and hopes travel will resume as conditions stabilize. Officials say restoration work will also include technical reinforcement in nearby sections of the site to ensure long-term preservation.
The restoration will be carried out jointly by the Vatican, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, and the Custody of the Holy Land. Officials said work will focus on preserving the cave’s structure and interior features, including the exposed rock, marble flooring, columns, decorations, and the silver star marking the traditional location of Christ’s birth, GB News reports.
The Italian firm Piacenti SpA, which previously completed restoration work on the Basilica of the Nativity above the grotto, will handle the project. The company is based in Tuscany and previously described work at the site as one of the most meaningful projects its restorers had undertaken.
Church leaders said the project is aimed at protecting the historic and spiritual importance of the site for future pilgrims. In a joint statement, Christian authorities said the effort reflects cooperation among churches responsible for maintaining the sanctuary and seeks to preserve the location for visitors from around the world.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the project, calling the restoration “a sign of great hope and rebirth for the whole Holy Land.”
The work comes as Bethlehem continues to deal with economic strain following a drop in tourism since the start of the Gaza conflict. The town relies heavily on pilgrimages and tourism, which sharply declined during the fighting.
Last month, Bethlehem lit its Christmas tree for the first time since the conflict began. Mayor Maher Canawati said the previous period had been extremely difficult for residents dependent on tourism.
“It’s been a bad two years of silence; no Christmas, no jobs, no work,” Canawati told the BBC. He added that continuing Christmas celebrations was important because “Christmas should never be stopped or cancelled.”
Local business owners also expressed hopes that visitors will return. Restaurant owner Alaa Salameh said families in the area are still struggling financially after the downturn, making celebrations more difficult this year.
Tour guide Hamza said the city depends on visitors and hopes travel will resume as conditions stabilize. Officials say restoration work will also include technical reinforcement in nearby sections of the site to ensure long-term preservation.
