The Restoration Committee of the Grotto of the Church of the Nativity
The restoration of the Grotto in the Church of the Nativity is moving forward following Presidential Decision No. (1) of 2024 issued by His Excellency President Mahmoud Abbas regarding the restoration of the Grotto and the formation of a specialized committee for this purpose. The Committee operates in full coordination with the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs, as part of the national efforts to safeguard Christian holy sites and preserve its historical presence in the Holy Land. This effort honors the spiritual and national heritage of the site while fully respecting the historic Status Quo rights of the Greek Orthodox, Custody of the Holy Land, and Armenian Orthodox Churches.
The Committee is chaired by Dr. Khouloud Daibes (Member of the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs) and includes members: Dr. Nabil Kassis, Dr. Nazmi Al-Jubeh, Eng. Imad Nassar, Mr. George Al-Ama, and representatives from the Bethlehem Municipality and the Centre for Cultural Heritage Preservation.
Work Progress
From January to July 2026, the restoration of the Grotto progressed from preparatory protection, site organization and detailed condition documentation to active conservation of the historic surfaces. Initial works included material mapping, stratigraphic investigations, cleaning trials, electrical safety improvements and environmental monitoring, followed by structural investigations, laser scanning, coring and masonry testing. On-site activities were suspended from 8 March due to regional security conditions, while laboratory testing, technical assessment and recovery planning continued off site. Physical works resumed on 18 May, focusing on the cleaning and conservation of the vault, staircases, marble cladding and altar mosaic. During June and July, the team advanced plaster consolidation, compatible mortar pointing, marble cleaning, mosaic stabilization and archaeological documentation, while restoration works also commenced at the north and south entrances. By the end of July, the apse mosaic was nearing completion, entrance works were progressing well, and the remaining priorities included final surface reintegration, protective treatments, marble stabilization and completion of the entrance restoration.
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 comprehensive restoration project combines advanced conservative restoration of the Grotto with rigorous scientific inquiry. Our aim is to preserve the site's physical beauty—from its marble portals to its ancient stone vaults—while conducting vital research into its structural and historical layers. This integrated approach work ensures that the Grotto remains a safe, sustainable, and spiritually resonant destination for pilgrims and visitors alike.
The interventions include detailed documentation, laser scanning surveys, material testing, mapping of deterioration, cleaning of stone and marble surfaces, consolidation of weak areas, repair of cracks and damaged parts, restoration of mosaics and decorative elements, treatment of wooden and metallic components, and structural consolidation against seismic actions. In addition, new safety and environmental systems are proposed, including improved electrical installations, fire alarm systems, ventilation, and microclimate monitoring systems.
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.
The Contractor
The Italian firm Piacenti has been chosen to execute the Grotto's restoration. Piacenti is a leading international firm specialized in the restoration of historic and religious sites. Building on their past success in restoring the Church of the Nativity's roof, columns, and mosaics, the company will apply specialized scientific techniques to preserve the site's original materials and unique spiritual character. Our continued partnership with this firm guarantees that the Grotto will undergo restoration with the utmost precision in accordance with highest international standards.
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.
