Nazareth, Israel: attractions, hotels

In the north of Israel, in Galilee, there is a city in which, according to legends, 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. It 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 reside here 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, which are admired by all who come to Nazareth (Israel). Attractions of the city are admired. There are a lot of temples, monasteries and churches, several Muslim shrines, historical monuments, on the territory of which archaeological excavations are conducted today.

Nazareth is a city in Israel, where tourists will need modest clothes and this is especially important when visiting places of religious worship. Experienced tourists believe that the most favorable time for visiting 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 attractions of Nazareth.

Ancient Sepphoris

It 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 the reign of Herod, Sepphoris was the capital of one of the four parts of the kingdom (tetrarchy). Later here was the residence of Herod Antipas, during the reign of which was erected a fortress wall. In 363, there was a strong earthquake in Sepphoris. His future fate is quite typical for the history of the region: it was the Byzantine period, the era of the Crusaders, the rule of the sheikhs and the Arab uprising. Until the tenth 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 fortress of the Crusaders and the church of St. Anne and Joachim, the parents of the Virgin Mary.

The Temple of the Annunciation

Undoubtedly, is not only the main attraction of the city, but the whole of Israel is the Temple of the Annunciation in Nazareth. This is the largest religious building in the Middle East. A magnificent Catholic church in the center of the city was built on the site of temples of Byzantine times. This place has long attracted numerous pilgrims.

Inside the huge complex there is a 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 admires 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, which were donated by Catholic communities from different countries.

Greek Catholic Church

According to researchers, Nazareth is a city in Israel, which 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. Here thousands converged pilgrims, which required the construction of a small church, which today belongs to the Greek Catholic community.

Under the church today there is a synagogue in which, according to legend, Jesus was preaching, though, according to experts, it was built in the 6th century.

Source of Mary and the Church of the Holy Archangel Gabriel

This is an amazing city - Nazareth in Israel (photo we posted 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, over which now is the church consecrated in honor of this saint. According to the gospel, Mary at the water source took water when the archangel Gabriel appeared to her and announced the good news. The current well, located at the end of the St. Paul's street, was recently built, but the source on this site was known from ancient times.

This is confirmed by archaeological excavations under the souvenir shop located in the neighborhood. There were discovered Roman baths, which existed in the era of Jesus. A narrow passage stretches through the church of Archangel Gabriel and leads to the altar, from which you can look at the source from below.

Mount Tabor

A significant 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. This mountain is 588 meters high. According to one of the numerous versions, its name can be translated as "navel", which is connected with its uniform and rounded form.

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 on top of the mountain there are two monasteries. One of them is a Greek Orthodox monastery of the XIX century. It was built on the site where once the Byzantine temple was located. On its territory is the temple of Transfiguration. In 1911, the bell tower was completed.

The second monastery - Franciscan, Catholic, located on the site of a Muslim fortress of the XIII century. Here there is a basilica of the Transfiguration of the Lord - the creation of the architect Antonio Barluzzi. You can go to the Catholic abode through the "Gate of the Wind". Even in the Old Testament, Mount Tabor is mentioned . At the foot of it was the Via Maris road, an ancient trade route linking Egypt and Syria. Here there were numerous historical events: the Crusader and Saracen battle, the war of the Jewish kingdom, the battle of Napoleon's troops.

There is also a medieval road that leads uphill. For the movement of buses it is not available, so you can climb it up only by car or on foot.

The Market of Nazareth

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. It is one of the largest eastern bazaars in Israel. Despite the many foreign guests who are walking and looking at the goods, this is a true Arab market, where not only residents of Nazareth, but also its neighborhoods come for shopping.

From tiny shops to the street exhibited a wide variety of products: for home and clothing, fresh produce and spices. The market starts on Kazakovy Street, adjacent to Pavel VI Street, which crosses the city center.

Village of Nazareth

If you come to Nazareth with your children, be sure to visit this popular tourist attraction, which is the complete reconstruction of Nazareth, which, according to the creators, was in the time of Jesus. The village is made with great attention to historical details. Here you will be shown agricultural implements of those distant times, traditional costumes. Sheep and other domestic animals wander around freely in the village.

Church of St. Joseph

The Franciscan church is located on the site where, according to legend, once was his carpentry workshop. And, naturally, it was named in his honor. Inside the church there is an ancient well, unique mosaics, caves, as well as a barn of ancient Nazareth. It dates back to the I and II centuries BC. E.

Workers of the church claim that one of the caves served as a workshop for Joseph - this is another popular place of pilgrimage. The church is located in the neighborhood (50 m) with the northern entrance to the church of the Annunciation.

The White Mosque

This mosque, located in the heart of the Old City, is called Al-Abiad. Her creation is attributed to the beginning of the XIX century - the time of the rule of Al-Jazzar. It is a monument to his cruel government.

The strict and elegant style and white color of the building embody the modesty, purity, and peaceful coexistence of various religious denominations in Nazareth. This is a vivid example of tolerance, which calls residents 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. Hotels, guest houses here are numerous, so everyone can choose a room according to their requirements and financial capabilities.

Nazareth

Situated 200 meters from the Greek Church of the Annunciation, Nazareth offers comfortable rooms decorated in a modern style. Each one has an LCD TV with satellite channels, air conditioning and a bathroom with necessary cosmetic and toiletries.

The hotel has a spacious terrace and a restaurant where guests can taste national and European cuisine. In the morning, guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast, which includes vegetables, fruits, snacks and sweets. Free tea, coffee and non-alcoholic 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 located in an ancient Arab mansion, whose age is estimated in two centuries. Guests will be able to appreciate the atmosphere of a boutique hotel,

The spacious Al Mutran rooms are decorated in a minimalist style, but all have well-equipped bathrooms. The rooms offer a picturesque view 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 five minutes walk from the magnificent Cathedral of the Annunciation. Nearby are numerous restaurants and the main bus station of the city.

Tourists have private and shared rooms with air conditioning, LCD TVs and free Wi-Fi. On the territory you can relax in the picturesque garden or climb to the roof terrace, which offers a magnificent view of Nazareth. In this guest house, an Arabian breakfast is served, consisting of fresh products spiced with herbs.