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Historic centre · Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Historic Moravian Bethlehem
A group of stone buildings erected by Moravian missionaries from 1741, including the communal house, the church and the cemetery. UNESCO World Heritage site.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Historic Moravian Bethlehem
The Moravians, Protestants from Central Europe, founded Bethlehem in 1741 as a religious community organized into groups by age, sex and marital status, known as choirs. Each choir had its own house, and the limestone buildings they constructed in the 18th century still stand in the city center.
The Gemeinhaus, dating to 1741, is the oldest structure and houses the Moravian Museum. On Church Street are the Single Sisters' House and the Single Brothers' House, and the Central Moravian Church, from 1806, preserves the musical tradition of the community. God's Acre cemetery has flat, identical grave markers, a sign of equality among the faithful.
In 2024, Bethlehem was added to the UNESCO list as part of the Moravian Church Settlements, along with Christiansfeld in Denmark, Herrnhut in Germany, and Gracehill in the United Kingdom.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Two to three hours, including the museum.
Best time
By day, in spring and autumn, or in December, when the center is decorated. Confirm the museum hours and guided tour times.
How to get there
It is in downtown Bethlehem, between Main Street and Church Street, within walking distance from the shopping center.
Tip
Take the guided tour of Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites, which opens buildings that are otherwise closed to visitors.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Historic Moravian Bethlehem
What is there to see in Bethlehem’s Moravian Quarter?
The Gemeinhaus with the Moravian Museum, the choir houses on Church Street, Central Moravian Church and the God’s Acre cemetery.
Who were the Moravians?
Protestants from Central Europe who founded Bethlehem in 1741 as a religious community.
Are there guided tours in the Moravian Quarter?
Yes, organized by the body that manages the city’s historic museums; confirm the times.