Chapel of the Shepherds' Field

The Palestinian village of Beit Sahour, next to Bethlehem, has been identified by Latin Church tradition as the site of the Annunciation to the shepherds – that is, the place where the announcement of Jesus’ birth to shepherds by angels took place. The area close to the church is also identified as the "Valley of Boaz", mentioned in the Old Testament, in , as the place where Ruth gleaned grain for herself and Naomi. The French official responsible for the excavations claimed to have found the three “shepherds’ tombs” mentioned by a pilgrim who visited Beit Sahour around the year 680. Between 1889 and 1906, the Franciscans succeeded in buying the land. ==History==

Roman period Franciscan archaeologist Virgilio Canio Corbo excavated the site and found caves with evidence of human habitation during the Herodian and later Roman period, as well as ancient oil presses. Corbo used his findings as arguments in favour of the hypothesis that a small community inhabited the site at the time of Jesus' birth. The Catholic chapel is dedicated to Our Lady of Fátima. ==Architecture==

The chapel was designed by architect Antonio Barluzzi. ==Gallery==

%22Gloria_in_Excelsis_Deo%22_Chapel.JPG|The chapel Roman Catholic church of Shepherds Field Chapel, Bethlehem, Palestine4.jpg|Interior Christmas Church (Bethlehem)2.jpg|Fountain in the courtyard Roman Catholic church of Shepherds Field Chapel, Bethlehem, Palestine6.jpg|Excavations Shepherd's Field (2876595213).jpg|Access alley ==See also==