Located in Israel's Galilee region, Nazareth is a top destination for Christian pilgrims. It's also the largest Arab city in the country, making it a fascinating cultural and historical site to visit.
One of the first things to do in Nazareth is to explore the Old City, which has a captivating atmosphere. Here you'll find winding stone-paved streets lined with centuries-old Ottoman mansions and an old market district where you can find spices, food, and trinkets.
The Old City
The Old City is a thriving community and a great place to spend some time. It has a bustling shuk (market) and is home to many important Christian sites.
Nazareth is an incredibly important site for Christians and has an awe-inspiring history. Its ancient roots go back thousands of years.
In the ancient world, Nazareth was a small town inhabited by about 400 Jews who lived a very simple life. They were farmers and herdsmen, raising sheep, goats, cattle, chickens, mules and donkeys.
Their houses were very modest and probably made of stone foundations and bricks crafted from mud. Their food was very basic, with bread being a staple.
The town was small, but it had every bit of space it needed to work effectively. It had underground cisterns, vats and silos for storing grain and oil. There was a single ancient spring for water. Until the Romans and Byzantines conquered it, Nazareth was a Jewish settlement but it quickly became a Christian one.
The Church of the Annunciation
The Church of the Annunciation is one of the main attractions in Nazareth and a top place to see on a Holy Land tour. Designed by Muzio in 1969, this basilica has two levels and is surrounded by the sunken grotto that houses the traditional cave-home of Mary.
The lower level also displays the remnants of previous churches on the site, and a beautiful 18th century altar dedicated to the Annunciation. The upper level is the parish church and enshrines a gallery of mosaics, each representing Mary in the mosaics from various countries.
The site of Nazareth has undergone several transformations in the centuries since it was first established as a Christian settlement. It was taken by the Persians in AD 614 and then by the Byzantines, before being restored by Tancred, the Norman Crusader who took Nazareth in 1099 and ruled as Prince of Galilee.
Mount Tabor
The 420-metre peak of Mount Tabor is a popular pilgrimage site and a focal point of Christian faith. It is best known as the site of the transfiguration of Jesus, an event in which Jesus radiates light and converses with Moses and Elijah (Matthew 17:1-9; Mark 9:2-8; Luke 9:28-36).
In the Old Testament, Mount Tabor was a place of worship for Canaanite kings (Hosea 5:1). In the Book of Judges, Deborah summoned Barak to gather a force from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun at Mount Tabor before she and her general launched a mighty attack that annihilated Sisera, the King of Hazor's commander.
The mountain is located a few kilometers east of Nazareth. If you want to visit it, it's a good idea to opt for a guided tour. These trips can take you to several important sites around Galilee, including Mount Tabor. They are also convenient because they are hassle-free and allow you to enjoy a jam-packed itinerary.
Cana of Galilee
The village of Cana, also known as Kfar Kanna, is a small town north of Nazareth. It is a well-known place for Christians because it is believed that Jesus performed his first miracle at a wedding feast in Cana.
In modern times, Cana is known as the town where couples renew their vows to each other. In addition, Cana is one of the many Christian sites that are visited by tourists in Galilee.
Although most people visiting the area will only see the churches and well, it is still worthwhile to visit other sites such as the Old City and Mount Tabor. This is an excellent way to get a fuller picture of the region and learn more about its history and religion.
