World Heritage
A UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrating Moravian heritage
Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List
Moravian Church Settlements | September 2024
WORLD HERITAGE STATUS
A Place of Outstanding Universal Value
In September 2024, Bethlehem's historic Moravian district was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the transnational Moravian Church Settlements serial property. This recognition affirms what visitors have long known: Bethlehem is a place of extraordinary historical and cultural significance that deserves to be protected and celebrated for generations to come.
About World HeritageWHY IT MATTERS
Outstanding Universal Value
Outstanding Universal Value
Bethlehem represents an outstanding example of an early American planned community, demonstrating the Moravians' innovative approach to communal living and industry.
Architectural Heritage
The historic district contains remarkably preserved examples of 18th and 19th century architecture, including Germanic building traditions rarely found elsewhere in America.
Living Heritage
Many traditions established by the Moravian settlers continue today, including unique Christmas celebrations, musical traditions, and craft practices.
Global Connection
Bethlehem is part of the Moravian Church Settlements World Heritage Site, connecting it to Christiansfeld (Denmark) and Herrnhut (Germany).
HERITAGE SITES
Explore the World Heritage Site
God's Acre
The historic Moravian cemetery featuring the distinctive flat limestone markers representing equality in death.
Central Moravian Church
The magnificent 1806 church building that remains the center of Moravian worship in Bethlehem.
1762 Waterworks
America's first municipal water pumping system, demonstrating Moravian engineering innovation.
Single Brethren's House
The 1748 limestone building that housed unmarried Moravian men and served as a center of industry.
THE MORAVIAN STORY
From Herrnhut to Bethlehem
The Moravian Church, one of the oldest Protestant denominations, established Bethlehem in 1741 as a missionary outpost in colonial America. The settlers brought with them a unique approach to community life, with shared resources, innovative industries, and a deep commitment to education and music. This planned community became a model of organization and innovation that influenced American development for centuries.
Explore Moravian HistoryGLOBAL NETWORK
Sister World Heritage Sites
Bethlehem joins two other Moravian settlements in this transnational World Heritage designation.
Herrnhut
The birthplace of the renewed Moravian Church, founded in 1722. Home to the original Moravian star workshop.
Christiansfeld
A remarkably preserved 18th century planned town, inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2015.
Bethlehem
Founded in 1741, America's most intact Moravian settlement and a center of industrial innovation.
Help Protect Our World Heritage
Your support ensures that Bethlehem's extraordinary heritage will be preserved for future generations.