About the Center
Abu Jarour Tourist Information Center located in Star Street in old city of Bethlehem, where it’s represent the heart of the old city of Bethlehem. The opening of the center was at the beginning of 2016 by the Bethlehem Municipality and the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities in cooperation with the Center for Cultural Heritage Preservation (CCHP) and funded by the US Agency for I
nternational Development (USAID). The center offers many tourist services that serve the visitors of the city in particular, and provides them with many of the brochures, free maps, shall assist the tourists to visit the largest possible number of tourist places, archaeological, cultural, and encouraging them to stay at the local hotels of the city. The center also organizes field trips weekly to learn about the ancient municipality of the city. Star Street:
Star Street is considered one of the oldest streets in the city of Bethlehem and the most important because it is one of the oldest entrances to the city throughout history. Star Street starts from the King David’s Wells site, passing through the eight historical quarters of Bethlehem to reach al-Manara Square in the Pope Paul VI Road leading to Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity. On the ninth of June 2012, was the inclusion of Star Street along with the Church of the Nativity in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site under “Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route”. About Abu Jarour Residential Complex (Hosh):
The residential complex (Hosh) was constructed during the second half of the nineteenth century. The architecture of the complex reflects the rapid transformation of the lifestyle during the period of its construction. The complex is composed of a row of shops along the Star Street, and a courtyard that is surrounded by a number of rooms. The windows and balconies of the main façade reflect the European influence on the local architecture during that period. The complex was rehabilitated in 2014 by the Bethlehem Municipality and in cooperation with the Center for Cultural Heritage Preservation (CCHP) and funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID). The building today houses Bethlehem Icon School, an educational center that offers professional training and courses in Byzantine Iconography.
