In the extreme eastern corner of that city is what seems to be a natural
half-grotto. The very innermost portion is called the manger of the Lord
in which the mother laid the child when he was born; another spot,
however, close by the above-mentioned manger, but nearer the entrance,
is the traditional place of the actual nativity of the Lord. Accordingly the
20]
whole of that cave of Bethlem, with the Lord's manger, is completely
covered on the interior with precious marble in honour of the Saviour;
and the half-grotto, covered by the stone cenacle,1 is surmounted by the
church of the holy Mary, a magnificent structure built exactly over the
spot where the Lord is said to have been born.
25]