The Lavra of the Holy Savva is one of the oldest monasteries of the Orthodox Church.
Dream of pilgrims and tourists from all over the world.
The history of the monastery, a story about Saint Sava, who built and consecrated a large temple.
Before him there was a small church dedicated to St. Nicholas in the place of the Lavra.
Only men can enter the monastery.
Although women are not allowed inside, but they come out and communicate very gently and warmly.
There grows a miraculous palm tree of the Consecrated Savva.
The monk always takes out a piece of it and explains how to drink it.
The monks themselves are incredibly friendly and sympathetic.
In Bethlehem itself we will visit a shrine called the Dairy Grotto on the same street.
According to the legend, when Mary and Joseph fled from the soldiers of Herod on their way to Egypt, they stayed in this cave while Mary fed the infant Jesus. A drop of Maria’s milk fell on the rock, and it turned white.
The irregular grotto, carved from a soft white rock, is sacred to Christian pilgrims.
It is especially visited by young mothers and women who are trying to get pregnant.
The grotto has been revered since the 4th century, the first building was built over it about 385 AD.
In 1872, the Franciscans built a church around the Dairy Grotto.
The paintings in the chapel depict the angel’s appeal to the shepherds, the shepherds who pay homage to Jesus, and the shepherds who celebrate the birth of the Messiah.
At the end of the tour we stop at the Manger Square and enter the Church of the Nativity.
This church was built around the Holy Grotto, where Jesus was born on the first Christmas Eve.
The silver star on the grotto floor marks the spot of Christmas.
You can enjoy the architectural features of the church, numerous works of art, see part of the original ancient mosaic.
only for holders of non-Israel passports
difficulty level 4/10