Manger Square

Manger Square is an important city square in the center of Bethlehem. It takes its name from the manger where Jesus was born which, according to Christian dogma, is in the Church of the Nativity, possibly the oldest existing church in the world, which surrounds the square. Also around Manger Square is the Mosque of Omar (the city's only mosque) and the Palestinian Peace Center. Several Jesus-related streets dump into the Square: Star Street and Nativity Street.

In 1998-1999 the square was renovated to relieve the traffic congestion and currently is pedestrian only. It is mainly a meeting place or locals and for the town's many pilgrims. There are rows of Celtis Australis that provide shade to its people with benches and fountains made of white yellowish Naqab marble below.