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My adult son and I accessed this cave from the Nativity Grotto under the Church of the Nativity, while joining in an intimate processional mass in December of 2019. The Cave of Jerome is actually located beneath the Church of St. Catherine, and can also be accessed from there. St. Jerome, a Dalmation priest (345-420 A.D.), translated much of the Old Testament from Hebrew and Greek to the Latin "Vulgate". In the cave you will notice carving into the stone: "Hieronymus", which is Latin for Jerome. The cave is not to be missed while touring the Church of the Nativity, Nativity Grotto and the adjoining Church of St. Catherine.…
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Date of experience: December 2019
2 Helpful votes
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Bethlehem is rich in historical and religious sites, and this is one that can be rewarding for both the pilgrim and the picture taker. We were both. As an amateur photographer, I found that my DSLR with a zoom lens gave me all the flexibility I needed to take pictures. Use the wide-angle, watch the lighting and adjust ISO and white balance as needed. Travel lightly, the site can be crowded and cramped. Lastly, be respectful.…
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Date of experience: January 2020
2 Helpful votes
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Think of someone sitting down here at a desk via candle light translating the Bible from Hebrew to Latin. Moving.
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Date of experience: February 2020
3 Helpful votes
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The cave makes you think about the hermit’s way of life, so humble and so rich in intellectual production. In fact, it makes everyone think about the need of having so many superfluous things in one’s life. Enjoy!
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Date of experience: January 2020
2 Helpful votes
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Jerome, who lived from 347-420 AD, is recognized as a Saint and Doctor of the Church by Roman Catholics, Lutherans, Greek Orthodox and Anglican Christians. Follow the narrow staircase located to the right of the nave in the Church of St. Catherine to enter a series of small grottoes. Here is the cell where St Jerome lived and worked, spending over 30 years translating the Greek and Hebrew Scriptures into Latin, called the Vulgate. An adjacent cave was identified as St Jerome’s burial place, although his remains are now in Rome. You’ll also find St. Joseph’s Chapel, dedicated to the Virgin Mary’s husband, and a Chapel to the Holy Innocents, the burial place of infants murdered by King Herod in his attempt to eliminate the “newborn King of the Jews’. Keep in mind the caves occupy a relatively small area, and depending on the day/time, it may feel quite crowded. But do not miss this place that still maintains an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.…
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Date of experience: January 2020
2 Helpful votes
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