Project: Nativity Grotto Replica to Rovaniemi 
 Participants: Q.Shomali, M.Louhivuori, Santapark Rovaniemi

Status: Preliminary feasibility analysis

Prof. Qustandi Shomali from Bethlehem University and Dr Mikko Louhivuori from the Finnish Institute have considered the possibility of very special kind of cultural exchange between Bethlehem, the city of Christmas, and Rovaniemi, the city of Santa Claus.

The proposal is to create in Santa’s land in Rovaniemi an accurate model of the Nativity Grotto in Bethlehem by using local stones and artists in creating the cave. The model would be archaeologically and architecturally correct and contain genuine Holy Land objects and tapestries to create as exact a replica as possible.

There seems to be some interest in such a project and the proposal is currently in preliminary feasibility study stage and has not yet been subjected for approval to any party.

Santapark Website: www.santapark.com