Mosque of Omar (Bethlehem) Mosque
Historic Bethlehem mosque adjacent to Manger Square
Facing Manger Square in Bethlehem, the Mosque of Omar sits opposite the Church of the Nativity; visitors encounter it as part of the city's interwoven religious and historical sites and local cultural context.
Mosque of Omar (Bethlehem) at a Glance#
Address: Mosque of Omar, Star Street / near Manger Square, Bethlehem, West Bank
Hours: Mosque hours vary with prayer times; generally open during daytime
Admission: Free to visit the mosque exterior; donation or small fee may apply for guided visits
About Mosque of Omar (Bethlehem)#
The Mosque of Omar in Bethlehem is the town’s main mosque located on Manger Square, adjacent to the Church of the Nativity. It dates to the mid-19th century Ottoman period and is a prominent feature of Bethlehem’s central plaza.
The mosque is noted for its slender minaret and its frontage onto Manger Square, where pilgrims and tourists gather around the nativity sites. The proximity of Islamic and Christian holy sites makes the square a focal point for interwoven religious landmarks and public activity.
Named for the second caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab, the mosque was established in the Ottoman era and has served the local Muslim population since its construction. Over time the building has remained a working place of worship while sharing the square with Christian pilgrimage sites.
It stands on Manger Square in Bethlehem in the West Bank, immediately opposite the Church of the Nativity in the town centre and within walking distance of other historic streets and sites.
- Location in Manger Square: Sits directly on Manger Square facing the **Church of the Nativity**, making it part of Bethlehem’s central religious and civic space.
- Date and role: Built in the Ottoman period in the mid-19th century, it serves as the principal mosque for Bethlehem’s Muslim community.
How to Get to Mosque of Omar (Bethlehem)#
The Mosque of Omar is adjacent to Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem’s Old City; it is a short walk from central Bethlehem landmarks and accessible on foot from local parking and drop-off areas.
Tips for Visiting Mosque of Omar (Bethlehem)#
- Combine a visit with the Church of the Nativity and the Milk Grotto-these sites are within short walking distance in Bethlehem's Old City.
- Respect mosque etiquette: remove shoes before entering the prayer area and dress modestly.
- Visit outside Friday prayer times if seeking a quiet visit-Fridays can be very busy locally.
Best Time to Visit Mosque of Omar (Bethlehem)#
Visit outside major religious holidays for a calmer experience; morning or late afternoon walks are pleasant.
Weather & Climate near Mosque of Omar (Bethlehem)#
Mosque of Omar (Bethlehem)'s climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 5°C to 29°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | 5° - 12° | 6° | 102 mm | some cloud | 72% | 2.8 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.2h |
| February | Good | 5° - 13° | 7° | 85 mm | partly cloudy | 70% | 3.2 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 10.9h |
| March | Very Good | 7° - 16° | 11° | 70 mm | some cloud | 66% | 3.5 m/s | 1.3 high | 11.9h |
| April | Excellent | 10° - 21° | 16° | 20 mm | some cloud | 60% | 3.2 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.8h |
| May | Ideal | 14° - 25° | 19° | 3 mm | mostly sunny | 54% | 3.1 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 13.6h |
| June | Ideal | 16° - 28° | 22° | 0 mm | clear | 56% | 3.6 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 14.0h |
| July | Ideal | 18° - 29° | 23° | 0 mm | clear | 59% | 3.4 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 13.8h |
| August | Ideal | 18° - 29° | 23° | 0 mm | clear | 62% | 3.2 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 13.1h |
| September | Ideal | 17° - 28° | 22° | 0 mm | clear | 63% | 3.3 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.2h |
| October | Ideal | 15° - 25° | 20° | 10 mm | clear | 63% | 2.6 m/s | 1.3 high | 11.3h |
| November | Very Good | 10° - 19° | 14° | 51 mm | mostly sunny | 63% | 2.7 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 10.4h |
| December | Good | 6° - 13° | 8° | 76 mm | some cloud | 68% | 2.6 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 10.0h |
