Cave of St. Jerome
Cave of St. Jerome
4.5
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4.5
71 reviews
Excellent
37
Very good
31
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Kim G
Pacific Grove, CA3,754 contributions
Dec 2019
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.
Written 15 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FredPurdue
Seattle, WA2,268 contributions
Jan 2020
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.
Written 19 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
etbtravelphotography
Denver, CO632 contributions
Feb 2020
Think of someone sitting down here at a desk via candle light translating the Bible from Hebrew to Latin. Moving.
Written 13 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mojoblue717
Manchester, UK3,284 contributions
Nov 2017 • Couples
This Grotto adjoins that of Jesus's birth site under the Church of Nativity, but is accessed from the Catholic, St Catherines Church next door. This Cave/Grotto was the place where the Bible was translated into Latin by St Jerome over a period of 30+ years. At one time his tomb was contained within these precincts, but was moved many years ago to Rome. His ancient altar is still visible. Also here is the altar of St Joseph, a protege of St Jerome. The Grotto is well lit and much more atmospheric that that of its more famous neighbour, yet does not get the same publicity. It also is a popular venue for masses and other services at which time it is closed to the public. Combine a visit, with that of the church above and you will not be disappointed.
Written 20 November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jojo
Navi Mumbai, India2,787 contributions
Oct 2016 • Family
The Scholar Jerome translated New Testament in different languages and in memory the cave of St.Jerome has significance.
Written 19 August 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vitor A
Lisbon, Portugal795 contributions
Jan 2020
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!
Written 28 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda Y
Frisco, TX5,689 contributions
Jan 2020
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.
Written 15 February 2020
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beachlovernc2015
Leland, NC2,045 contributions
May 2019
When visiting the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem make sure to also stop at this grotto. It is located below the church.We were with a tour group and our guide had been here before so he knew how to access it so you may wish to have a guide of some sort. It is a very interesting spot to honor Saint Jerome the Catholic priest who is known for translating the Bible in to Latin. Even if you don't know his story, this area makes for interesting viewing. We had time to have a short scripture discussion and sing a couple of hymns which was quite special.
Written 18 September 2019
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Sharon F
Portrush, UK317 contributions
May 2018 • Family
Under the Church of the Nativity, well worth a visit. Quieter than the Nativity site. Very peaceful and calm giving time to reflect and pray.
Written 17 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shareef Jibreen Palestine guide
Bethlehem, Palestinian Territories90 contributions
Mar 2022 • Business
Cave of Jerome or Hironomous
Under the church of saint Kathrin in the Nativity church, is the place where he translated the old testament from original Language into latin
Under the church of saint Kathrin in the Nativity church, is the place where he translated the old testament from original Language into latin
Written 8 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there a fee to go down into the cave and do you have to go with a guide? If you go into the Church of the Nativity how do you get to the courtyard? Thanks!
Written 26 July 2019
There is no fee associated with this site. Although you don’t need a guide to tour this Church, at least read up on it beforehand so you’ll be informed when you go in. Everything around you with guides and tours will be fast pace. Enjoy!
Written 26 July 2019
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