Approximately 2 km to the east of Bethlehem lies Beit Sahour, where one of the most sacred places to Christians; the Shepherds’ Field; is found, identified as the scene where the Angel of the Lord visited the shepherds and informed them of Jesus’ birth.
The Sanctuary, designed by Barluzzi, stands on a rock overlooking the ruins. It recalls the structure of a field tent like the one used by the shepherds at that time. The light that penetrates the concrete and glass dome, illuminating the interior calls to mind the divine light that appeared to the shepherds.