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In the city's 300 workshops, Bethlehem craftspeople make carved olive-wood and mother-of-pearl objects, mostly of a religious nature, but many stores along the tourist route in town sell jewelry and trinkets. For quality and reliability, most of the large establishments on Manger Street are worth investigating, but some of the merchants near the Church of the Nativity, on Manger Square, have good-quality items as well.
The Giacaman family has been whittling olive wood into elaborate Nativity scenes and souvenirs for more than 100 years. At this shop and factory, you can get a glimpse at Palestinian craftsmen working away the local wood. Ask to go up to the roof, which has a great view of Manger Square. The shop ships worldwide. Don't forget to bargain.
