At this well the wise men from the East rested, and here the guiding star appeared to them.

Midway between Jerusalem and Bethlehem lies the Greek convent dedicated to the prophet Elijah.

From hence we can see both towns; on the one hand, the spacious Jerusalem, and on the other, the humble Bethlehem, with some small villages scattered round it.

On the right hand we pass "Rachel's grave," a ruined building with a small cupola.
Bethlehem lies on a hill, surrounded by several others; with the exception of the convent, it contains not a single handsome building.

The inhabitants, half of whom are Catholics, muster about 2500 strong; many live in grottoes and semi-subterranean domiciles, cutting out garlands and other devices in mother-of pearl, etc.