In the north of Israel, in the Galilee, there is a city in which, as legend has it, the angel told the Virgin Mary the good news and where Jesus Christ spent his childhood. Nazareth in Israel attracts pilgrims from all over the world. This is the third most important city in the country after Bethlehem and Jerusalem.
Despite the fact that Nazareth, as a rule, is associated exclusively with Christianity and more than 60% of the population are Muslims, the largest number of Arabs live in Israel.
Description of the city
Nazareth in Israel is located 25 km from the Sea of Galilee, in a huge hollow. The city is surrounded by the hills of the Lower Galilee, whose height does not exceed 500 meters. From these peaks there are magnificent views that are admired by everyone who comes to Nazareth (Israel). The sights of the city are amazing. There are many temples, monasteries and churches, several Muslim shrines, historical monuments, on the territory of which archaeological excavations are carried out today.
Nazareth is a city in Israel where tourists will need modest clothing and this is especially important when visiting places of religious worship. Experienced tourists believe that the most favorable time to visit this city is autumn and spring.
Nazareth in Israel: attractions (photo with description)
In this city there are a lot of interesting and memorable places where tourists should definitely visit. We will present you the most popular and interesting sights of Nazareth.
Ancient Sepphoris
This is a famous national park located six kilometers from Nazareth. Large-scale archaeological excavations are carried out here. It is believed that the name of this ancient city came from the word "bird". For the first time it is mentioned in documents dated 100 BC.
Under King Herod, Sepphoris was the capital of one of the four parts of the kingdom (tetrarchy). Later, the residence of Herod Antipas was located here, during the reign of which a fortress wall was erected. In 363, a strong earthquake occurred in Sepphoris. His further fate is quite typical for the history of the region: it included the Byzantine period, the era of the Crusaders, the rule of the sheikhs and the revolt of the Arabs. Until the 10th century, the Jewish community remained in the city.
The park welcomes guests throughout the year. In addition to archaeological finds, tourists will certainly be interested in visiting the crusader fortress and the church of St. Anne and Joachim, the parents of the Virgin Mary.
Temple of the Annunciation
Undoubtedly, the temple of the Annunciation in Nazareth is not only the main attraction of the city, but also of all Israel. This is the largest religious building in the Middle East. The magnificent Catholic Church in the city center was built on the site of temples of Byzantine times. This place has long attracted numerous pilgrims.
Inside the huge complex is the cave of the same name, in which, according to Catholics, the Virgin Mary learned from the archangel Gabriel that she would soon become a mother. The church, 55 meters high with powerful walls and an unusual concrete dome, looks like a fortress, but at the same time admires with its exquisite beauty.
It harmoniously combines modern church design with the remains of ancient churches that can be seen from the cave. The upper church is decorated with mosaics that were donated by Catholic communities from different countries.
Greek Catholic Church
According to researchers, Nazareth is a city in Israel, which even today requires detailed study. Presumably in the place where the church is today, in ancient times there was a small synagogue in which Christ studied and prayed. Here he preached to the inhabitants of the city. Thousands of pilgrims came here, which required the construction of a small church, which today belongs to the Greek Catholic community.
There is a synagogue under the church today, in which, according to legend, Jesus preached, although its construction, according to experts, dates back to the 6th century.
Source of Mary and the Church of the Holy Archangel Gabriel
This is an amazing city - Nazareth in Israel (we posted a photo in this article). Here at every step there are amazing monuments that are holy to Christians around the world.
The Orthodox Church claims that the archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary at the source, above which is now a church, consecrated in honor of this saint. According to the gospel, Mary was gathering water at the source when the archangel Gabriel appeared to her and announced the good news. The current well, located at the end of Paul VI Street, was built recently, but the source at this place has been known since ancient times.
This is confirmed by archaeological excavations under the souvenir shop located next door. There were discovered Roman baths that existed in the era of Jesus. A narrow passage extends through the church of the archangel Gabriel and leads to the altar, from which the source can be viewed from below.
Mount Tabor
An iconic place for pilgrims visiting Nazareth in Israel. It is located in the north of the country in the Lower Galilee, at a distance of nine kilometers from Nazareth. It is a mountain 588 meters high. According to one of the many versions, its name can be translated as "navel", which is associated with its uniform and rounded shape.
There is an opinion that it was here that the Transfiguration of the Lord took place, one of the most important events of the gospel history. Now there are two monasteries on the top of the mountain. One of them is a 19th century Greek Orthodox convent. It was built on the site of a Byzantine temple. On its territory is the temple of the Transfiguration. In 1911, the bell tower was completed.
The second monastery is Franciscan, Catholic, located on the site of a 13th-century Muslim fortress. Here is the basilica of the Transfiguration of the Lord - the creation of the architect Antonio Barluzzi. You can go to the Catholic monastery through the "Wind Gate". Mount Tabor is also mentioned in the Old Testament . At its foot was Via Maris, an ancient trade route linking Egypt and Syria. Numerous historical events took place here: the battles of the crusaders and Saracens, the wars of the kingdom of Judea , the battle of Napoleon’s troops.
The medieval road that leads up the hill has also been preserved. It is not available for the movement of buses, so you can go up it only by car or on foot.
Nazareth Market
If you happen to visit Nazareth in Israel, then do not miss the opportunity to see the city market, which snakes through the narrow streets of the Old City. This is one of the largest eastern bazaars in Israel. Despite the many foreign guests walking and looking at goods, this is a true Arab market, where not only residents of Nazareth, but also its surroundings come for shopping.
From tiny shops on the streets put a wide variety of products: for home and clothes, fresh food and spices. The market begins on Kazakovy Street, adjacent to Paul VI Street, which crosses the city center.
Nazareth Village
If you come to Nazareth with children, be sure to visit this popular tourist attraction, which is a complete reconstruction of Nazareth, which it, according to the creators, was during the time of Jesus. The village is made with great attention to historical details. Here you will be shown agricultural tools of those distant times, traditional costumes. Sheep and other domestic animals roam freely freely in the village.
Church of St. Joseph
The Franciscan church is located on the site where, according to legend, his carpentry workshop was once located. And, of course, she was named in his honor. Inside the church there is an ancient well, unique mosaics, caves, as well as the barn of ancient Nazareth. It dates from the 1st and 2nd centuries BC. e.
Church workers claim that one of the caves served as a workshop for Joseph - this is another popular pilgrimage site. The church is located in the neighborhood (50 m) with the north entrance to the Cathedral of the Annunciation.
White mosque
This mosque, located in the very center of the Old City, is called Al-Abiyad. Its creation dates back to the beginning of the XIX century - the reign of Al-Jazzar. She is a monument to his cruel rule.
The strict and elegant style and white color of the building embodies the modesty, purity, and peaceful coexistence of various religious faiths in Nazareth. This is a vivid example of religious tolerance, which calls on the inhabitants of the city to peace and harmony.
Where to stay? Nazareth Hotels in Israel
Tourists and pilgrims do not experience any problems with accommodation in this Israeli city. There are many hotels, guest houses here, so everyone can choose a room in accordance with their requirements and financial capabilities.
Nazareth
Located 200 meters from the Greek Church of the Annunciation, Nazareth Hotel offers comfortable rooms decorated in a contemporary style. Each includes an LCD satellite TV, air conditioning, and a bathroom with necessary cosmetics and toiletries.
The hotel has a spacious terrace and a restaurant serving national and European dishes. In the morning, guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast, which includes vegetables, fruits, snacks and sweets. Complimentary tea, coffee and soft drinks are served throughout the day.
Al mutran
The hotel is located on Bishop's Square, in the historic quarter of the city. It is housed in an old Arab mansion, whose age is estimated at two centuries. Guests will appreciate the atmosphere of the boutique hotel,
The spacious rooms of Al Mutran are decorated in a minimalist style, but all have well-equipped bathrooms. The rooms offer scenic views of the historic quarter of the city. Some rooms have a private kitchenette.
Vitrage
This guest house is one hundred meters from the Old Market and less than a five-minute walk from the magnificent Cathedral of the Annunciation. Numerous restaurants and the city's main bus station are located nearby.
It offers air-conditioned private and dormitory rooms with LCD TVs and free Wi-Fi. On site you can relax in the picturesque garden or climb onto the rooftop terrace, which offers amazing views of Nazareth. This guest house serves an Arabian breakfast consisting of fresh products spiced with herbs.