Church of the Nativity of Christ in Israel, Bethlehem resort
Rating: 9,5/10 (1054 votes)  The Church of the Nativity of Christ (or the Basilica of the Nativity of Christ) is a Christian church located in the city of Bethlehem. It was built, according to legends, at the place where Jesus Christ was born. The Basilica of the Nativity of Christ is considered the second main Christian church, after the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. The first church built over the cave of the Nativity was a church founded during the reign of Emperor Constantine the Great in 339. Church services have been held at this place for many centuries, this is a unique temple that has endured centuries of Muslim rule without much harm to itself. During the period of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, since 1100, the basilica served as the pulpit of the Latin bishop of Bethlehem and Ascalon. In the troubled XII century, the temple was surrounded by a high fortress wall, which was of great defensive importance. The basilica was reconstructed during the reign of Emperor Justinian, during the reconstruction work, the altar part of the temple was expanded, and an atrium was added. During the construction of the temple and its reconstruction, materials such as stone and wood were used. The floor of the basilica, as well as its walls, were faced with marble, mosaic images were placed closer to the ceiling, unfortunately, at present only fragments of them can be seen. The windows, which in ancient times were used to illuminate the interior of the temple, are now closed.   
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