Church of the Nativity

Department Archive
Collection Byzantine Research Fund
Reference No. BRF/02/03/01/006
Level Item
Place Bethlehem
Dates 1907-1909
Donor/Creator Harvey, Mr William
Scope and Content West façade. The photograph is annotated in ink at the back:' BASILICA OF THE NATIVITY. BETHLEHEM. WEST FRONT'. See also photo no. 02/13/17/04 (BRF no. 02/03/01/007).
Further information The church of the Nativity, Bethlehem, is a large five-aisled basilica with transept, narthex, a trefoil apse and two entrances leading to the cave of the Nativity. It was built by Justinian I between 560 and 603/5 on the ruins of the first church which had been erected by Constantine I on the site of the cave of the Nativity. The building was decorated with lavish mosaics by Manuel I Komnenos with the contribution of the Latin King and the Bishop of Jerusalem according to the text of the dedicatory inscription which also names a certain Ephraim as the mosaicist. The rare theme of the Ecumenical Councils decorates the side aisles.
Reference The Church of the Nativity at Bethlehem. pl.5, no.5.