The Restoration Committee of the Grotto of the Church of the Nativity
The Restoration Committee of the Grotto of the Church of the Nativity was established in 2024 by Presidential Decree issued by His Excellency President Mahmoud Abbas. The Committee operates under the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs as part of the national responsibility toward Christian holy sites and their ongoing presence in the Holy Land. The Committee oversees the restoration of the Grotto. It works in coordination with the Churches and the relevant authorities so that the work respects the nature of the place and its religious importance. The Committee is chaired by Dr. Khouloud Daibes (Member of the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs). Members include Dr. Nabil Kassis, Dr. Nazmi Al-Jubeh, Eng. Imad Nassar, and Mr. George Al-Ama, in addition to representatives from Bethlehem Municipality and the Centre for Cultural Heritage Preservation
Mission
To conserve the Grotto carefully and responsibly, while safeguarding its sanctity and protecting its historical and spiritual significance for present and future pilgrims and visitors.
Vision
A protected and well-maintained Grotto that continues to serve as a sacred place of prayer and pilgrimage, welcoming worshippers and visitors for generations to come
About the Grotto
The Grotto of the Nativity is located beneath the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Since the early centuries of Christianity, it has been honored as the place where Jesus Christ was born. In the fourth century, Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, identified it as the traditional site of the Nativity. From that time until today, the Grotto of the Nativity has remained at the heart of the Church. It continues to receive pilgrims from across the world who come to visit and pray. Over the years, humidity, aging materials, and the steady flow of visitors have affected parts of the structure and interior surfaces. Some areas began to show signs of deterioration. Addressing this became necessary in order to prevent further damage and to secure the space for the future.
The Restoration Project
The restoration of the Grotto represents the final stage of the broader restoration works of the Church of the Nativity, which began in 2013. Since the Grotto is the spiritual center of the Church, completing this phase closes an important chapter in that long process. Before any physical work began, detailed engineering and archaeological studies were conducted. Field inspections were carried out, and technical plans were prepared according to recognized conservation standards. Legal and administrative procedures were also completed to ensure the project moved forward properly
The restoration is being implemented by Piacenti, an Italian firm specialized in the conservation of historical and religious monuments. The company previously worked on the Church of the Nativity and is familiar with its structure and materials. Work began in January 2026 and is expected to conclude in August 2026.
Our Approach
The Grotto is first and foremost a place of worship. Therefore, all restoration work is carried out in coordination with the three Churches responsible for the Church of the Nativity: the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, the Custody of the Holy Land, and the Armenian Orthodox Patriarchate. This coordination is essential to ensure that the work respects both the site itself and the religious traditions that have shaped it over the centuries.
The restoration is carried out according to proper technical standards, but this is not only about restoring damaged surfaces. The Grotto is a holy place where people come to pray. For that reason, the work is carried out carefully and with respect. While the physical problems are being repaired, care is taken not to change the atmosphere of the space or affect its sacred character. The aim is to reform what needs to be reformed while keeping the Grotto as people have known it for generations.
