Gate of Bethlehem: the Gate with the "joyful" name

The bastion was named after a neighbouring small temple dedicated to the Virgin that was built in the countryside outside the city walls. The Bethlehem Bastion featured two military Gates with the same name, the Southern and the Northern. Both led to "low squares" and were equipped with the usual double gunports, from where exit galleries (sortite) led to the trench. The inner facade of the Northern Gate is quite elaborate and looks more like a main, urban Gate. Above the doorframe of its exit gallery, the date 1538 is marked. Today, the Bethlehem Bastion and its military Gates are connected to “Kommeno Benteni”, one of the landmarks of the modern city. It is a part of the defensive walls, next to the Gates, which was demolished in early 20th century only to be bridged in the 60’s. As for the Gates, they too have changed, as many of the other Gates have done. They serve a different purpose and form part of the cultural life of our city. At the "low square" of the Southern Gate of Bethlehem, visitors can watch movies in the "Open-air Municipal Cinema". The "low square" of the Northern Gate of Bethlehem is used as a showroom for artistic events and exhibitions, especially during the summer.