The Russian Government will finance $US4 million of restoration and reconstruction work in the historic centre of Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, centring on the kilometre long route known as Star Street.
Fides reports that the project, which is scheduled to start in September and which will include buildings as well as the street, will be conducted in collaboration with the Palestinian Ministry of Finance and the authorities of the municipality of Bethlehem, led by mayor Vera Baboun.
Star Street was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of a pilgrimage route in 2012. It begins at the roundabout of the Catholic Action Center and ends at the arch known by locals as “Damascus Gate”, an ancient entrance to the city.
According to tradition, it is believed that this is the way Mary and Joseph were coming to Nativity Grotto in Bethlehem.
