Bethlehem, the birthplace of the holy Christ

According to many local tour operators one of the latest trends are tours of our compatriots to the places of pilgrimage of various religious faiths. In particular special interest places such as the Vatican, Mecca and Bethlehem — the three most numerous shrines, world religions.

And if a visit to the residence of world Catholicism and the Pope of the capital — the Vatican is not something exotic and hard to reach, because Rome is in the center of Europe and can get here not only by plane or train, eat and bus routes are economy class. That journey to Mecca, Jerusalem and Bethlehem are associated with certain difficulties, both organizational and financial plan.

Today Bethlehem is located in the area of political disagreements between the State of Israel and the Palestinian Authority, which has for decades sought full independence and autonomy. However, the lack of resolution of this issue will eventually lead not only to a certain confrontation between states, but also the construction of the disputed territories between fairly high concrete wall. So, to get to the place of birth of Jesus Christ, from both Israel and Palestine is somewhat problematic.

Bethlehem belongs to the most ancient human settlements in our history. The first historical mention of Bethlehem relate to the period between the XVII and XVI century BC, when the city was located on the so-called land of Canaan, whose inhabitants were engaged as in agriculture and animal husbandry, crafts and trade.

However, with the advent of the land of the Romans it is all pretty much changed. All Palestine and Bethlehem in particular have been the subject of constant strife and religious conflict, and that today, after centuries, does not change its nature.