The Grotto of the Nativity lies beneath the central part of the transept, which is situated in the eastern part of the Basilica opposite the iconostasis. It can be reached by a circular staircase on either side of the raised platform. An altar was erected over the birthplace of Jesus and a silver star was embedded in the white marble-floor to indicate the spot where Jesus was born. The star's Latin inscription reads, "Here of the Virgin Mary Jesus Christ was born — 1717."
The Grotto of the Nativity lies beneath the central part of the transept, which is situated in the eastern part of the Basilica opposite the iconostasis. It can be reached by a circular staircase on either side of the raised platform. An altar was erected over the birthplace of Jesus and a silver star was embedded in the white marble-floor to indicate the spot where Jesus was born. The star's Latin inscription reads, "Here of the Virgin Mary Jesus Christ was born — 1717."