The Discovery and the Conservation of Graffiti on the Columns of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. The Voice of the Restorers

Hundreds of centuries-old graffiti left by pilgrims and travelers on the painted columns of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem were discovered during restoration work, revealing a previously overlooked layer of historical and cultural significance. The study details the meticulous cleaning and conservation process employed to preserve these marks, which included careful treatment to ensure their longevity without compromising the structural integrity of the columns. This unexpected finding underscores the importance of graffiti as a tangible link to past visitors and the site's enduring role in religious pilgrimage.

Piacenti, M. (2026). The Discovery and the Conservation of Graffiti on the Columns of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. The Voice of the Restorers. Writing in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, 29–37. https://doi.org/10.1484/m.celama-eb.5.151589