Restoration of the Grotto of the Nativity in Bethlehem to Begin with the Assistance of the Jerusalem Patriarchate
The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, in cooperation with the Custody of the Holy Land, has announced the imminent start of the restoration of the Grotto of the Nativity in Bethlehem. According to a statement dated January 24, 2026, restoration work on one of the primary shrines of the Christian world will begin in the very near future.
The work will be carried out by an Italian company that previously successfully managed the restoration of the Basilica of the Nativity. The cost of restoring the Basilica of the Nativity itself in Bethlehem amounted to 14 million euros.
In the course of the restoration of the Grotto of the Nativity, work will be conducted to reinforce the rock mass and architectural elements, clean and conserve historical surfaces, and improve the microclimate inside the grotto.
The exact timeframe for the project’s implementation, as well as its final cost, have not been disclosed at this time.
