Milk Grotto (Bethlehem), Jerusalem
The Milk Grotto, nestled near the revered Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, stands as a poignant testament to Christian tradition. Dating back to 1872, this humble cave-chapel holds sacred significance as the refuge of the Holy Family during tumultuous times.
Legend has it that during the Massacre of the Innocents, when King Herod ordered the slaughter of all infant boys, Mary sought refuge here, cradling baby Jesus in her arms. As she nursed him, a drop of her milk is said to have fallen to the ground, turning the rock white. This miraculous event has inspired generations of pilgrims, both Christian and Muslim, who believe in the rock's ability to enhance fertility and nursing mothers' milk production, with some taking fragments of the sacred rock as tokens of divine favor.
With roots dating back to the 4th century, the Milk Grotto has remained a site of veneration and reverence. Fragments of the Byzantine church that was built over it in the 5th century were even distributed to churches across Europe in the 7th century. Stepping into the cave-like interior offers a tranquil reprieve from the sweltering summer heat, inviting contemplation and reverence.
Legend has it that during the Massacre of the Innocents, when King Herod ordered the slaughter of all infant boys, Mary sought refuge here, cradling baby Jesus in her arms. As she nursed him, a drop of her milk is said to have fallen to the ground, turning the rock white. This miraculous event has inspired generations of pilgrims, both Christian and Muslim, who believe in the rock's ability to enhance fertility and nursing mothers' milk production, with some taking fragments of the sacred rock as tokens of divine favor.
With roots dating back to the 4th century, the Milk Grotto has remained a site of veneration and reverence. Fragments of the Byzantine church that was built over it in the 5th century were even distributed to churches across Europe in the 7th century. Stepping into the cave-like interior offers a tranquil reprieve from the sweltering summer heat, inviting contemplation and reverence.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Jerusalem. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Milk Grotto (Bethlehem) on Map
Sight Name: Milk Grotto (Bethlehem)
Sight Location: Jerusalem, Israel (See walking tours in Jerusalem)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Jerusalem, Israel (See walking tours in Jerusalem)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Jerusalem, Israel
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Creating your own self-guided walk in Jerusalem is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Bethlehem Walking Tour
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Undoubtedly, the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Armenian Quarter Walking Tour
Smaller and quieter than the Old City's other three quarters, the Armenian quarter contains a series of winding cobblestoned streets and alleyways teeming with people, shops, coffee stands, ceramic workshops and hookah bars. A city in miniature with distinct language, alphabet and culture, it has been in place since the 4th century, when Armenia adopted Christianity as a national religion.
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Christian Quarter Walking Tour
One of the epicenters of worldwide Christianity, the Christian Quarter is the 2nd-largest of Jerusalem’s four ancient quarters. A fascinating place to stroll through, it covers the Old City’s northwestern part, just beyond Jaffa Gate – the traditional pilgrim’s entrance to Jerusalem and a prime destination for most visitors.
With its tangle of broad streets and winding, narrow alleys,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
With its tangle of broad streets and winding, narrow alleys,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Jewish Quarter Walking Tour
Entirely rebuilt in the 1980s after having been largely destroyed during the 1948 War, the Jewish Quarter is quite distinct from the rest of the Old City. Good signposting, spacious passageways, art galleries and a somewhat less buzzing atmosphere make the area a relaxing place to spend some time.
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
With its rebuilt residential buildings, some almost consider this area the "New... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
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