The city of Nazareth is a locality located in the north of Israel. It has 75 thousand inhabitants. The main feature is the largest city in the state, where Christians and Muslims get along peacefully. Nazareth became famous, first of all, for its religious attractions, because Joseph and Mary lived here, this is the city where Christ spent the first years of his life. Where the city of Nazareth is located, what route you can take from Tel Aviv, which Orthodox sights are most revered and visited-read about this and much more in our review.
City of Nazareth-description, general information
In many religious sources, Nazareth is mentioned as a locality in Israel, where Jesus Christ grew up and lived for many years. For more than two millennia, millions of pilgrims have come to Nazareth every year to honor the memorable shrines.
The historical part of the locality is being updated, but the authorities retain the original appearance of the settlement. Nazareth still has its characteristic narrow streets and unique architectural features.
Modern Nazareth in Israel is the most Christian and at the same time Arab city in the state. According to statistics, 70% are Muslims, 30% are Christians. Nazareth is the only place where people rest on Sunday.
Interesting fact! In the temple of Mensa Christi, a slab has been preserved, which served as a table for Christ after the resurrection.
Historical excursion
In the history of the city of Nazareth in Israel, there are no high-profile events and exciting twists and turns. In the past — it was a small settlement where two dozen families lived, engaged in land cultivation and winemaking. People lived in peace and tranquility, but for Christians around the world, Nazareth is forever inscribed in history, along with Jerusalem, as well as Bethlehem.
In many religious texts, the word Nazareth is mentioned, but not as the name of a locality, but in the meaning of the word “branch”. The fact is that in the time of Jesus Christ, a modest settlement did not fall into the chronicles of Israel.
The first mention of Nazareth in Israel dates back to 614. At that time, local residents supported the Persians, who were waging military operations against Byzantium. In the future, this fact directly affected the history of the city — the Byzantine army completely destroyed the local residents.
Over the centuries, Nazareth has often been taken over by representatives of different religions and cultures. It was ruled by the Crusaders, the Arabs. As a result, the city was in a deplorable state, but the recovery was quite slow. For several centuries, few people remembered Nazareth. In the 17th century, Franciscan monks settled on its territory, and with their own money they restored the Church of the Annunciation. In the 19th century, Nazareth was a successful, actively developing city.
In the mid-20th century, the British tried to capture the city, but the Israeli army repelled the onslaught. Modern Nazareth is an important religious pilgrimage center.
Nazareth city Attractions
Most of the memorable, tourist places are connected with religion. Many tourists come here to visit the shrines. The list of most visited attractions includes the Church of the Annunciation.
Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth in Israel
The Catholic shrine stands proudly near the city center, it was built on the site of shrines erected by the Crusaders and Byzantines. The attraction is a large complex built around the cave of the Annunciation. It was here that Mary learned the good news of the immaculate conception.
The building is 55 meters high and looks more like a fortress. The architecture and decoration combine modern design with ancient church decoration. Mosaics collected from many countries were used to decorate the upper church.
Useful to know! This is the largest shrine in the Middle East, the only church topped by a dome. It is recommended to start a visit to the religious sites of Nazareth in Israel from here.
The basilica consists of several levels:
- Nizhny Novgorod-it contains unique historical relics of the Byzantine Empire and the Crusaders, and a stone house from the Byzantine period has been preserved;
- The upper one was built 10 years ago instead of an 18th-century shrine, with a distinctive feature-stained glass windows.
Useful to know! The adjacent garden connects the landmark with the Church of St. Joseph.
Practical information:
- admission is free;
- opening hours: in the warm season from Monday to Saturday-from 8-30 to 11-45, then from 14-00 to 17-50, on Sunday-from 14-00 to 17-30, in the winter months from Monday to Saturday from 9-00 to 11-45, then 14-00 to 16-30, Sunday-entrance;
- Basilica address: Casanova St.;
- a prerequisite is modest clothing and a covered head for women.
St. Joseph’s Church
Franciscan church, decorated in a modern style. The building was built on the site where in the past there was a workshop of Joseph, respectively, the attraction was named in his honor. Inside are located: an ancient well still filled with water, a barn dating back to the II century BC, there are caves in which Joseph worked. Pilgrims come here from all over the world.
Practical information:
- located near the northern entrance to the Church of the Annunciation;
- opening hours: every day from 7-00 to 18-00;
- admission is free;
- modest clothing is required.
Mary of Nazareth International Center
This attraction is more like a museum complex. Here are various images of the Virgin Mary collected from all over the world. The interior is quite spacious, bright, and beautifully decorated.
Important! Women are not allowed to enter the Center in short skirts. With open shoulders, arms and neck.
Practical information:
- the attraction is located in the central part of Nazareth;
- there is a parking lot nearby;
- bells ring daily at noon;
- it is best to visit the Center before noon, after 12-00 services begin and entering for tourists is restricted, from 14-00 the temple is again open for free visits;
- in the Center you can buy a tour, the guide will tell you in detail about the life of the Virgin Mary;
- be sure to take a walk in the courtyard of the Center, where many different plants are collected — more than 400 species;
- you can climb up to the roof and enjoy the view of Nazareth;
- on the territory of the Center there is a souvenir shop and a cafe;
- Address: Casa Nova Street, 15A;
- opening hours: every day except Sunday from 9-00 to 12-00 and from 14-30 to 17-00.
Cana of Galilee
If you leave Nazareth and follow Highway 754, you will find yourself in the village of Cana of Galilee. This is the path that Jesus Christ followed after his exile from the city.
Interesting fact! Cana is called Galilee, so that the locals do not get confused, since there was another Cana not far from Tzor.
Interesting facts about Cana of Galilee:
- in the past, it was a major settlement linking the capital with Tiberias;
- it was here that Jesus performed the first miracle-turning water into wine;
- To date, there are several churches in Caen: the “First Miracle” – looks modest on the outside, but the interior decoration is rich, “Weddings” – a Baroque structure, “St. Bartholomew” – a rectangular structure, the facade is not decorated in any way.
| Name of the church | Work schedule | Features |
|---|---|---|
| “The First Miracle” | Every day from 8-00 to 13-00, from 16-00 to 18-00 | Admission is free |
| “Weddings” | From April to early autumn: from 8-00 to 12-00, from 14-30 to 18-00. From October to March: from 8-00 to 12-00, from 14-30 to 17-00. | Admission is free, photos and videos are allowed. |
Practical information:
- on the maps the name of the attraction is marked as Kafr Kana;
- only 11% of the local population is Christian;
- buses No. 431 (Nazareth — Tiberias), No. 22 (Nazareth-Cana) run from Nazareth to Cana of Galilee;
- one of the attractions of Cana of Galilee is local wine, which is sold in temples, shops, and street stalls;;
- Eyewitnesses claim that Cana has the most delicious pomegranates in all of Israel.
Observation deck on Mount Precipice
The attraction is a small green hill located near Nazareth in Israel. This place is described in detail in the Bible. It was here that Jesus Christ preached a sermon that so outraged the locals that they decided to throw him off a cliff nearby.
The hill is the site of excavations, during which the ruins of a temple dating back to the 8th century were discovered. In addition, traces of the Byzantine Empire were found.
It is noteworthy that the Orthodox and Catholic faiths do not agree on the exact location of the mountain. Orthodox believe that the attraction is located closer to Nazareth, in this place even built a church. Catholics believe that from Mount Tabor, the Virgin Mary watched the conflict that took place between the local population and her son.
Interesting fact! There is no mention in the Gospel of how Jesus Christ was saved from an angry mob of city dwellers. According to one of the legends, he jumped from the mountain himself and landed at the bottom without receiving any injuries.
At the top of the hill, there is an observation deck with scenic views of the valley, the city of Nazareth and nearby Mount Tabor.
Practical information:
- entrance to the observation deck is free of charge;
- the nearest public transport stop is Amal School;
- you can get there by bus numbers 42, 86, 89.
Church of the Archangel Gabriel
One of the main Orthodox attractions — it was here that the Annunciation happened. It was here, at the well, that the angel first appeared to the Virgin Mary. In the underground part there is still a Holy Spring, which is visited by millions of pilgrims.
The first shrine here appeared in the 4th century, during the Crusader period, the sanctuary was transformed into a large temple decorated with marble. In the middle of the 13th century, the landmark was destroyed by the Arabs.
The modern church was built in the middle of the 18th century, and all the finishing works were completed by the end of the 19th century.
The entrance to the attraction is decorated with a powerful gate and a canopy supported by elegant columns. The central element is a bell tower with a cross. The church is decorated with frescoes, ancient Romanesque columns, and artful paintings.
Interesting fact! An icon of the Annunciation is displayed in the underground chapel.
A hundred meters from the church is another attraction-the well, next to which Mary first saw the angel. For a thousand years, it was the only one in the city.
The Church of the Archangel Gabriel is also called the Church of the Annunciation, but this only creates confusion — many tourists mistake the church for the Basilica of the Annunciation. The buildings are located half a kilometer apart.
Megiddo National Park
Translated from the local language, the word Megiddo means Armageddon. Many tourists wonder why such a beautiful place in the Jezreel Valley is associated with the terrible end of the world.
Tel Megiddo — a hill located in the western part of the valley, there is a settlement nearby, also named. In the past, it was a large, successful city. The settlement was built in a strategic location. Today, the area around the hill is recognized as a national park.
The height of the attraction is approximately 60 meters, 26 archaeological and cultural layers have been discovered here. The first settlements appeared in the 4th millennium BC. e. And the city was founded a thousand years later.
The Jezreel Valley was of great importance, which led to hundreds of battles taking place here over the millennia. The first battle took place in the 15th century BC, and at the beginning of the 20th century, General Allenby’s army defeated the Turks, thus ending their rule in Palenstine completely.
Today, Megiddo Park is a huge archaeological area, where excavations have been carried out for a hundred years. Experts managed to find artifacts dating back to the 4th century BC. e. The view that opens from the hill is fascinating. Be sure to visit the place where the battle of good and evil took place.
Practical information:
- Address: 35 km from Haifa (Highway 66);
- Admission fee: NIS 29 for adults and NIS 15 for children;
- the attraction is open every day from 8-00 to 16-00, and in the winter months – until 15-00.
Places to stay in Nazareth
The city of Nazareth in Israel is more religious than tourist. In this regard, there are not many hotels here, and you need to take care of your stay in advance. The most popular format of tourist accommodation is guest houses and hostels. Considering that Nazareth is an Arab town, you can certainly find rich hotels with swimming pools here.
Accommodation for two people in a guest house will cost 250 shekels, a room in a three-star hotel costs 500 shekels per day, and in an expensive hotel you will have to pay 1000 shekels.
How to get there from Tel Aviv
Nazareth is the birthplace of Jesus Christ, and millions of travelers come here every year. Most travelers get to Nazareth from Ben Gurion Airport or directly from Tel Aviv.
Important! There are no direct flights from Ben-Gurion to the city of Nazareth, so tourists take the train to Haifa and then transfer to the bus that goes to the final destination.
Train tickets can be booked in advance on the official website of the Israeli Railways or purchased at the ticket office. The fare to Haifa is NIS 35.50. The journey takes 1.5 hours. Trains depart directly from the airport terminal and pass through Tel Aviv. In Haifa, the train arrives at the railway station, where buses leave for Nazareth. You will have to spend about 1.5 hours on the road.
You can also get to Nazareth from the Tel Aviv bus station. Flights #823 and #826. The trip is designed for 1.5 hours. The ticket price is approximately NIS 50.
The most convenient way is to take a taxi or book a transfer. The trip will cost NIS 500.
The city of Nazareth is considered the most visited religious attraction in Israel. No fewer pilgrims come here than to Jerusalem. Tourists are attracted to the birthplace of Jesus Christ, places that are mentioned in the Bible, where there is a special atmosphere.
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