Holy Bethlehem Church, Isfahan (History, Photos, Location)
Isfahan is known for being the birthplace of civilization. It is also the source of Iran’s most phenomenal locations. The city has countless historical and outstanding monuments. The majority of the ancient and valuable places in the city date back to the Safavid era. When Isfahan was the capital of Iran, these outstanding structures were established during the reign of Shah Abbas the Great. The Holy Bethlehem Church of Isfahan, also known as Bedkhem Church and Beit Al-Lehem in Persian, is a significant work of art of the Safavid era with an ambiguous history. This elegant and antique Armenian church holds the highest dome among all the churches of Isfahan. Visiting Bethlehem Church is among the top things to do in Isfahan.
About Holy Bethlehem Church of Isfahan
Due to the presence of a Christian population in Iran, numerous churches have been constructed throughout history, and the oldest of them is in Urmia (Southwest of Iran). Amidst these holy luminous churches and cathedrals is the renowned Holy Bethlehem Church in Isfahan city.
The Holy Bethlehem Church is popular for its exceptional architecture and interior decorations. The church has distinguished architecture where you can view both Persian and Gothic Armenian architectural styles blended into one building. For this reason, Bethlehem Church is a unique place of interest for tourists visiting Isfahan.
Naturally, the church choir singing can be heard from the interior of Bethlehem Church, which also makes the ambiance of the place more soulful and spiritual.
The 72 exquisite paintings, painted by an Armenian artist, found on the interior and exterior of the church have doubled the glory and prominence of the church. These paintings drawn in the dome and the inner walls are derived from the events of the Bible.
The holy Bethlehem church was built on the north of two other popular churches of Isfahan. They are the Hakob/Hagop and Mary Magdalene churches. Interestingly, its dome is visible and recognizable from afar, which helps one locate the place effortlessly.
Holy Bethlehem Church History
The construction of the remarkable Holy Bethlehem Church dates back to the Safavid era during the era of Abbas I (Abbas the Great). This church was built in 1628 AD by the order of Khajeh Petros Velijanian, who was one of the famous merchants of the Safavid government. In addition, the tomb of Petros Velijanian and several members of his family is located in the churchyard.
There are two stories about the construction of the church. The first declaration is that Khajeh Petros built the Bethlehem church because the Church of the Holy Mary Magdalene was always crowded, and people had problems visiting; therefore, he decided to erect another church to reduce the crowd.
The second declaration is that Khajeh Petros Velijanian passed away in India. However, before his death, he willed that his heart be taken to Julfa in Isfahan, and hence, the Bethlehem church was built.
A portrait of Petros Valijanian is painted on one of the walls of the church, which you can see during your visit. The wonderful church of Isfahan is extremely impressive to see and will have you in awe. Both in terms of interior and exterior, it is regarded as one of the most noticeable holy places in the city.
Holy Bethlehem Church Architecture
A combination of Persian and Catholic architecture was used in the making of the Bethlehem church. Looking at the Holy Bethlehem Church photos, you will see that the map of the church is rectangular in shape with domed halls that are made on the east-west side.
It has a double-walled dome with eight skylights in the lower section of the dome. The building has no external decoration. For its construction, materials such as bricks and clay were used.
The church is 25 meters in height and 11 meters in diameter. The large dome has four arches that rest on four large columns attached to the north and south walls of the building. The influence of Armenian culture can be felt sharply in every corner of the church, from paintings and gildings to its colorful tiles.
The bell tower of the church is located at the main entrance of the building. Almost anywhere in the church, you will find intricate and vibrant paintings of the Holy Bible.
The story of Jesus Christ and his birth is painted on one of the walls of the Bethlehem church, while other walls are devoted to paintings of heaven and hell. The lower part of the walls is also decorated with glazed tiles in indigo and blue colors.
The church is built on two floors. The second floor is saved for women. In the middle section of the second floor, you will find a square hall, which is derived from classical models of Armenian domed halls.
The dome of the Holy Bethlehem Church is double-domed and decorated with gilding and inscriptions showcasing the different dates of benefactors involved in the construction of the church.
On the lower part of the dome of the church, there are eight windows. In the distance between the windows, you will see arches decorated with paintings. These paintings include the faces of the 12 disciples of Christ, the resurrection of Christ, and the picture of Saint Peter the Apostle walking on water.
The most beautiful painting of Bethlehem Church is the image of Paradise, and on the left is the portrait of Petros Valijanian with a decorated crown over the painting. There is an inscription written in Armenian script on the entrance to the church.
Holy Bethlehem Church Location
Bethlehem church was built in the north of the two other famous churches of Isfahan, Hagop (Hakob) and St. Mary Magdalene, and is situated in the large square of Julfa. The church is not far from Vank Cathedral, which is another spectacular spot to add to your list.
The address of the Bethlehem Church is Isfahan City, Nazar Sharqi St. in Jolfa Square. The closest train stations you can take to reach the church are Si-Se Pol and Shariati stations.
You can also reach the church by taxi. Furthermore, the Hakim Nizami Intersection bus station is about 500 meters from the church, so you can walk to your destination.
Holy Bethlehem Church Opening Hour
Visiting hours: every day from 8:30 am to 05:30 pm
Visiting fee: 10,000 tomans (100,000 Rials) per person
Holy Bethlehem Church Review
Holy Bethlehem Church is a stunning example of Armenian architecture of the 17th century. The church is famous for its beautiful interior, which is adorned with intricate paintings and gilded ornamentations.
Visitors often praise its serene and spiritual atmosphere and the detailed artwork that tells various biblical stories. It is a must-visit for anyone interested in history, architecture, and religious art.
Final Word
The Holy Bethlehem Church is seen as the most magnificent church in Isfahan, both in terms of wall paintings and exterior architecture. Since it has the largest dome among the churches of Julfa in Isfahan, this church has gained a lot of attention from travelers. We recommend visitors who travel to Isfahan city to sightsee the ancient buildings of the Safavid era and also discover the magnificent architecture of the ancient and traditional part of Iran, which expresses the admirable greatness of the civilization of that era. If you want to have a leisure trip to Isfahan, don’t miss out on the Holy Bethlehem Church.
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