The construction sites in Bethany do not stop...facilitated, so to speak, by the absence of pilgrims in recent months. The heart of the Christian site of the small Palestinian town is the Tomb of Lazarus, who was resurrected here by Jesus. A place that has undergone many transformations over the centuries, from the Roman period to the present day, and that could still reveal many surprises. OSAMA HAMDAN Architect - Director Mosaic Center "E it's interesting to learn more about the transformation of this tomb. We are doing the restoration work - because it was in a very bad situation - but at the same time we are trying to understand much more about how Lazarus' tomb was transformed. Some very interesting elements are emerging." In the meantime, the valorisation of the entire area continues, carried out by the Mosaic Center of Jericho and the "Pro Terra Sancta" Association with the support of the Italian Agency for Cooperation and Development within the framework of the "Hospitable Bethany" project. In the area of the atrium, located in front of the fourth century Byzantine church, the attention of the restorers - almost all local - is focused in particular on the precious mosaics. OSAMA HAMDAN Architect restorer - Association “Pro Terra Sancta” "There was a piece of the original mosaic. We made an integration - but it is clear that it is a modern integration to the ancient mosaic - to make people understand the space that was here. We saw that there were integrations of the original mosaic - that of the 4th century - which date back to the 6th century, but we also saw it with the mosaics of the 12th century, of the Crusader period: this space, even if it has been extended, has always been used throughout the centuries." To better understand the history of the site also a 3D video, made by a young Palestinian architect. It shows the complex stratification of all the buildings that have been built in Bethany over the centuries, while their traces slowly return to light from the site. SHIRA MUSSA SHAFIE Architect "It took a year and a half to make the video. This project has given me a lot in terms of experience and from a technical point of view. It means a lot to me." Read More