Situated in the old part of Beit Jala and named after the patron saint of Beit Jala, St. Nicholas Church is built on the remains of an earlier construction. This consists of a chapel and two side rooms built by Karj monks who came from Russia during the Ottoman Period. In 1921, the church, being on the verge of collapse, was demolished and a new church built on top of it. Old photos show the scores of ordinary citizens who volunteered to build the church. During construction, an old cave, believed to be that in which St. Nicholas prayed, and the ruins of an old Byzantine Church were discovered. There were also mosaic murals picturing an eagle bearing two heads, which was the symbol of the Holy Roman Empire. These findings confirm the holiness and the antiquity of the Church. The Church takes the form of a cross. On the inside walls and dome are graceful paintings and drawings. The Iconostas, engraved from local cut stones, is considered a masterpiece of decorative icons.