Gilded treasures, but few tourists in biblical Bethlehem

Tourists visiting the Nativity Church recently. Bethlehem is heavily reliant on tourism. — AFP

Ahead of Christmas, a towering wooden screen – once blackened with soot from millions of worshippers’ candles – is being restored to its gilded glory in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, Palestine, built at the site where many believe Jesus was born.

But few visitors are expected to see it during the upcoming Christmas holiday season.