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.