Bethlehem - Manger Square

The life of Bethlehem centers on Manger Square, now serving as a parking lot. Visitors arriving in the square will be directed to a parking space by local children and young people - an offer of service which, on security grounds, should not be turned down. Round the square are cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops, a police station and a tourist information office and travel agency. On the west side of the square is the modern Mosque of Omar; the east side is dominated by the Church of the Nativity.