Churches to Visit in the Holy Land
The Holy Land holds the places at the centre of the Christian story, and some of the oldest churches in the world. This chapter begins with the two most important: the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City of Jerusalem, built over the places where Christians believe Jesus was crucified and buried, the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, over the cave of his birth, and the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth.
The Holy Sepulchre is shared by six Christian communities under rules fixed in the Ottoman era, and visiting it means fitting in around their services. Go early, dress modestly, and check the news and your government’s travel advice before you go: the church was closed for several weeks in 2026. Bethlehem is under an hour from Jerusalem by bus; carry your passport for the checkpoint on the way back.
Where to start
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Calvary and the Tomb under one roof. Free; come at opening time to avoid a queue of hours.
Church of the Nativity
Justinian’s sixth-century basilica over the Grotto of the Nativity. Free; the Grotto is under restoration in 2026.
Basilica of the Annunciation
The grotto where tradition places the Annunciation, under a basilica of 1969. Free; candlelit procession on Saturday nights.
Practical notes
| Opening hours | The great shrines open very early, some before dawn, and keep long hours; they change on feast days and in Holy Week |
|---|---|
| Admission | The Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Church of the Nativity are free |
| Dress code | Covered shoulders and knees at every church |
| Before you travel | Check your government’s current travel advice: closures for security reasons can come at short notice, as in spring 2026 |
Coming next
The other great churches of Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Galilee are the obvious next additions, built the same way as the rest of this guide: one place finished properly at a time.