Things to do in Israel, Israel: The Best Sacred & Religious Sites

February 19, 2022 Layne Dawes

Coordinates: 31°N 35°E / 31°N 35°E / 31; 35
Restaurants in Israel

1. Magdala

Tzomet Migdal N/n, Migdal 14950 Israel +972 4-620-9900 [email protected] http://www.magdala.org
Excellent
88%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,128 reviews

Magdala

A unique Holy Land site known as the hometown of Mary Magdalene, located at the shores of the Sea of Galilee. The archaeological site features a complete first century town from the times of Jesus. It is one of Israel´s most recent archaeological discoveries with the best preserved synagogue in the Galilee. Complementary tours of the site are available upon request. The site also features "Duc in Altum" a place for worship and prayer. Magdala is known as a crossroads of Jewish and Christian History, and will soon also feature a guesthouse in opening mid-2018.

Reviewed By RobynDavid_25 - Melbourne, Australia

This is a special place. The small excavation site contextualises the role of Mary Magdalene in the life of Jesus and is complemented by the exquisite modern church nearby, its altar a boat which appears to be sailing on the Sea of Galilee outside the window, with its mast forming a cross above. It is surrounded in the atrium by eight vibrant pillars honouring women of faith. Fr Eamon Kelly is a warm and welcoming presence. We were invited into a private room at the end of our visit where he and volunteer Rosa led the singing of ‘Happy Birthday’ to our guide, Eyal Carmel. It was a delightful moment!

2. International Center Mary of Nazareth

15A Casa Nova Street Pob 50199, Nazareth 16161 Israel +972 4-646-1266 https://il.chemin-neuf.org/fr/accueil/ou-nous-trouver/centre-international-marie-de-nazareth
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 587 reviews

International Center Mary of Nazareth

Let Mary be your guide to Jesus through the Scriptures. - A one-hour multimedia show in 14 languages, (HE,FR,AR,EN,IT,ES,PL,RU,PT,DE,JP,CH)-Chapel- Gardens roof with a breathtaking view of old Nazareth- Archeological site : ruins of a house from Jesus'time- Cafeteria Opening hours : Monday - Saturday: 9:30-12:00 AM and 2:30-5:00 PM.Private booking available at any time. Suggested contribution to maintenance 50 NIS

Reviewed By 511marianneb - Mechanicsburg, United States

For a donation of your choosing, here you can enjoy an archeological excavation, a multimedia movie (although I skipped it), a rooftop view of Nazareth, a beautiful modern chapel with stunning iconography, a perfect little gift shop, a cafe, and a warm and friendly welcome from the sister and the staff. It’s not a holy site, per se, but it is in the neighborhood, and it’s much less likely to be crowded, offering ample room for reflection and prayer.

3. Temple Mount

Al Aqsa Mosque Complex, Jerusalem Israel http://www.touristisrael.com/temple-mount/15944
Excellent
62%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,572 reviews

Temple Mount

A hill in the eastern part of Old Jerusalem is of special significance to the world's three major religions. It was reputedly the site of the first and second Jewish Temple, and since the 7th century has contained two Muslim shrines.

Reviewed By H75travel - Epsom, United Kingdom

Temple Mount and the Dome of the Roack are must sees when in Jerusalem, just make sure you time your visit right as there are limited visiting hours for non-muslims. There's only one entrance and to visit you must have your bag scanned and pass through airport type security. Come modestly dressed - arms, shoulders and legs covered for women. Undoubtedly the reason to come is the Dome of the Rock which is just stunning. I could have observed the building for a long time. It's very photogenic and the tile work beautiful. While you can't enter there are plenty of other places to explore, so make sure you save time.

4. Western Wall

Western Wall Plaza Jewish Quarter, Jerusalem 97500 Israel +972 2-627-1333 http://thekotel.org/
Excellent
78%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 11,159 reviews

Western Wall

The remains of the Second Temple of Jerusalem and a place of prayer sacred to the Jewish people.

Reviewed By PeterWJr46 - Poughkeepsie, United States

It was hard to believe that part of the temple that existed when Our Lord walked the earth, is still there. The West Wall is sacred to the Jewish faith and a testament to the life of Our Savior and His teaching in this very temple. The wall, itself, is divided by a separation for men and for women. It was interesting to see how this divide is so prevalent in this religious atmosphere. Security was ever present around the entrances and within the courtyard leading to the West Wall. It is a holy site and should be treated as such.

5. Eglise du Saint-Sepulcre

Christian Quarter, Jerusalem Israel
Excellent
68%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6,791 reviews

Eglise du Saint-Sepulcre

Built in the fourth century over the site of a Roman Pagan temple, this is considered one of the world’s holiest shrines to Christians, preserving the most important moments of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Reviewed By BillPNo1 - Friendswood, United States

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is one of the most Holy and Sacred places in Jerusalem, or actually in all of Christendom! The Church of the Holy Sepulchre may be the most sacred places for anyone to visit in Jerusalem; although at times the lines of Pilgrims and crowds of reverent worshippers may be somewhat distracting, one cannot be in awe of what occurred there and what Our Lord suffered there. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre may be the single most important reason to visit the Holy Land and a visit there is certain to leave anyone with a hushed and powerful feeling for the sanctity of the place. I have been blessed to have been able to visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on two occasions: each tome I was filled with inspiration and the feeling of awe for the sanctity of the Church. I hope I will be able to visit again, sometime, but feel that my life was changed by even my first two visits!

6. Church of All Nations (Basilica of the Agony)

Garden of Gethsemane Foot of the Mount of Olives, Jerusalem Israel +972 2-628-3264 http://www.seetheholyland.net/church-of-all-nations/
Excellent
66%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 974 reviews

Church of All Nations (Basilica of the Agony)

Located on the Mount of Olives, this beautiful church was first built by the Byzantines in 379 and rebuilt between 1919 and 1924, whose construction was financed from contributions made by many countries.

Reviewed By Patricia345 - Pune, India

The Church of All Nations or the Basilica of the Agony is located on the Mount of Olives. This is the place where Jesus was praying just before he was betrayed. A small garden with about 8 olive trees mark the actual Garden of Gethsemane. When we visited in November 2019, the olives were being harvested so we were not allowed inside. The Church is absolutely beautiful with huge stained glass windows. The altar inside the church is believed to have been built over the spot where Jesus Christ sweat fell as drops of blood. There are beautiful mosaics in the Church depicting various scenes on the night Jesus was betrayed. A visit to this Church is a moving experience for Catholics.

7. The Garden Tomb

Conrad Schick St, Jerusalem 91193 Israel +972 2-539-8100 [email protected] http://www.gardentomb.com/
Excellent
76%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,367 reviews

The Garden Tomb

Located north of the Old City’s Damascus Gate, this Christian holy site is a perfect place for prayer and contemplation. Many believe it to be the site of Christ's crucifixion, burial, and resurrection.

Reviewed By KarenHicks63

The gardens surrounding the tomb make it a very quiet and peaceful place amidst the hussle and bussle of Jersuleum. It was nice to see the tomb. Tour guide gives good information. We as a group were provided a place to sit quietly and have communion.

8. The Baha'i Gardens

80 Hatzionut Avenue, Near Shifra Street Mount Carmel, Haifa Israel +972 4-831-3131 http://www.ganbahai.org.il/en/haifa/
Excellent
72%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,689 reviews

The Baha'i Gardens

Extending from the summit of Mount Carmel, this magnificent garden features 19 terraces and its centerpiece, the gold-domed Shrine of the Bab, which contains the tomb of Siyyad Ali Muhammed.

Reviewed By 306fareedh - Palestinian Territories, null

A beautiful and high place that extends from Benjerion Street in Haifa until it slopes upward to the Carmel Mountains, a place with very beautiful flowers and it is very clean and you feel comfortable inside, and it is considered a religious shrine for the Baha'i religion, which is one of the monotheistic religions and the founder of this religion, Hussein Al-Nuri from Iran, and it is located inside the garden The seat of the House of Justice of the Baha'i Faith

9. Stella Maris Lighthouse and Carmelite Monastery

Stella Maris Road Carmel, Haifa Israel +972 4-833-7758 http://www.visit-haifa.org/eng/Stella_Maris_Church
Excellent
47%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 361 reviews

Stella Maris Lighthouse and Carmelite Monastery

Serving as a pilgrimage centre, this impressive church of the Carmelite Order houses a collection of antiques and its nearby monastery once served as a hospital for Napoleon’s soldiers.

Reviewed By ECLadines - Paranaque, Philippines

Had a simple and quiet lunch here at the monastery arranged by our pilgrimage operator. This after mass by our group and visiting the church itself with a statue of Virgin Mary venerated by many Catholics here. A cave underneath the altar is the statue of Prophet Elijah who had lived here for sometime. If you want to experience some solitude, this place in Haifa is the place to be.

10. Church of Saint Anne

Via Dolorosa at St Stephen's Gate, Jerusalem Israel +972 2-628-3285 [email protected] http://www.seetheholyland.net/church-of-st-anne/
Excellent
68%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 800 reviews

Church of Saint Anne

Built in honour of St. Anne, mother of the Virgin Mary, this 12th-century Basilica in Jerusalem is one of the finest examples of Crusader architecture in the Holy Land and throughout the Middle East.

Reviewed By KimGTravels - Pacific Grove, United States

Located in the Muslim Quarter of Old Jerusalem, near the confluence of the Lion's Gate, the start of the Via Dolorosa and across from the rear exit of Temple Mount, sits the lovely Romanesque Church of St. Anne. This beautiful French, Roman Catholic Church built by The Crusaders in 1138, replaced an earlier Byzantine church above the Pools of Bethesda. Built in tribute to St. Anne, mother to the Virgin Mary, a simple shrine commemorating the birth of Mary at this location lays in the cave/crypt below the church, which is said to be the original home to Mary and her parents, Anne & Joachim. With soaring, vaulted ceilings the Church is light and airy, and possesses exceptional acoustics. We had the pleasure of entering while a Christian group was singing "How Great Thou Art", which absolutely moved me to tears. Gardens surrounding the church are tree-shaded, lovely and serene. The healing waters of the Pools of Bethesda and where Jesus Christ healed the paralytic man, are adjacent to the Church of Saint Anne, where the original Byzantine Church was located earlier. This is the oldest remaining Crusader Church in Jerusalem, with an interesting history surrounding it. This felt like a highly sacred area, where we witnessed many groups singing, praying and conducting Bible worship. My adult son and I were deeply, spiritually moved throughout the Church and its grounds.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.