Star Street (Bethlehem), Jerusalem

Historically known as Haret el-Tarajmeh, or the Quarter of the Interpreters Clan, Star Street serves as the main artery leading to (or from) the Old City in Bethlehem. Remnants of the city wall are still visible in the arch, once the settlement's main gateway.

During the British Mandate (1917-1948), the opening of Manger Street diminished Star Street's significance, but rehabilitation efforts under the Bethlehem 2000 Project aimed to restore its historic prominence. Today, Star Street strives to reclaim its heritage, with its inclusion as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012 seen as a catalyst for this revitalization.

Annually on Christmas Eve, Patriarchs of the official Churches of Jerusalem鈥擫atin, Orthodox, and Armenian鈥攑rocess through Star Street in a formal ceremony, known as the "Patriarch Route". This symbolic journey traces the path taken by the Holy Family over two millennia ago; however, the importance of Star Street extends beyond its religious significance.

For generations, it has been home to workshops where artisans craft traditional olive wood and mother-of-pearl artifacts cherished by tourists. Additionally, the area reflects Bethlehem's architectural evolution, featuring a blend of Ottoman-era dwellings dating back to the 17th century and early 20th-century mansions influenced by Italian design, reflecting the affluence of an emerging bourgeois class.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Jerusalem. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: 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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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Star Street (Bethlehem)
Sight Location: Jerusalem, Israel (See walking tours in Jerusalem)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Bethlehem Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Jerusalem, Israel

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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles

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