Bethlehem: Ancient mosaics discovered during restoration works at Church of Nativity

Jul 21st, 2016

Ancient images are being revealed for the first time in centuries at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem which is undergoing major restoration work.

Layers of candle smoke and plaster is being carefully removed from the walls and columns, and experts are carefully cleaning and reattaching the sparking mosaic pieces. Last month a 12th century angel was discovered under a layer of 19th century plaster.

The works of the Basilica started in 2013 after Palestinian Minister Ziad Bandak, President of Palestinian Presidential Committee for the Restoration of the Nativity Church, awarded the contract to the Piacenti Restoration Company. The signing of the contract took place in presence of the Palestinian Prime Minister, Dr Rami Hamdallah and representatives of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, Armenian Patriarchate and the Custody of the Holy Land.

See a short film about the project here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtyDasqOsU8#t=90

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