The Grotto of the Nativity is located beneath the sanctuary and can be reached by two stairways.

This is the cave where Mary gave birth to Jesus. The exact place of birth is located on the east side of the cave and is marked by a star.

The star is made of silver and has 14 rays that represent the 14 generations from Abraham to David, the 14 generations from David to the exile of Babylon and the 14 generations from the exile of Babylon to Jesus’ birth. The Latin inscriptions that appear on the star reads: “Here of the Virgin Mary Jesus Christ was born - 1717”. The opening in the center of the star has a view of the natural rock of the cave.
This original star disappeared in 1847 (the disappearance of the star caused the Crimean War between Russia and France). The present star was given to the church by the Greeks in 1852.

“1 When Jesus therefore was born in Bethlehem of Juda, in the days of king Herod, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem. 2 Saying, Where is he that is born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to adore him. 3 And king Herod hearing this, was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And assembling together all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where Christ should be born. 5 But they said to him: In Bethlehem of Juda. For so it is written by the prophet:” (Matthew 2:1-5)

Nearby the Grotto of the Nativity is the Chapel of the Manger, where baby Jesus was laid. It is owned by the Roman Catholics.

In the area of the underground caves of the Grotto is the Chapel of Innocent Children that commemorates the burial site of innocent children slain by the Romans, upon Herod’s order, in their search for baby Jesus.

“16 Then Herod perceiving that he was deluded by the wise men, was exceeding angry; and sending killed all the men children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the borders thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.” (Matthew 2:16)

More photos of Grotto of the Nativity are available at HolyLand Photo Gallery