Location: Nazareth
Top Things to do in Nazareth
Things to do in Nazareth, Northern District: The Best Historic Sites
Nazareth (/ˈnæzərəθ/; Hebrew: נָצְרַת, Natzrat; Arabic: النَّاصِرَة, an-Nāṣira; Aramaic: ܢܨܪܬ, Naṣrath) is the capital and the largest city in the Northern District of Israel. Nazareth is known as "the Arab capital of Israel". In 2016 its population was 75,922. The inhabitants are predominantly Arab citizens of Israel, of whom 69% are Muslim and 30.9% Christian. Nazareth Illit (lit. "Upper Nazareth") is built alongside old Nazareth, and had a Jewish population of 40,312 in 2014. The Jewish sector was declared a separate city in June 1974.
Restaurants in Nazareth
1. Cana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 377 reviews
Reviewed By 211hankh - Virginia, United States
Came here with a group of 30 fellow pilgrims, and was grateful to spend time in the place of one of my favorite parables. I found the church very attractive and not busy at all. In fact, we had Holy Mass in the late afternoon and were the only pilgrims in the church at the time - a serene experience. Afterwards, the couples among us renewed our wedding vows and received a historical-looking document attesting to it. TIP: Contrary to the advice of others reviewing this site, I would consider it a must-see for married, biblically-inclined tourists.
2. The Church of the Annunciation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,632 reviews
Built on the grotto where Mary is believed to have lived and the Site of the Annunciation, this basilica houses a collection of excavated remnants of churches from the Crusader and Byzantine eras.
Reviewed By hawkes2an - Cranbrook, United Kingdom
Towering into the sky is the cupola of the Church of the Annunciation standing over the cave, reputed to be home of the Virgin Mary, where it is believed the young Mary (aged about 14) was told by the Archangel Gabriel that she would become the mother of the Son of God. Carved, in Latin, across the Church's triple-doored entrance is the result of her consent to Gabriel "Let it be done to me according to your word". On the limestone façade above this inscription are reliefs of Mary, Gabriel and the four Evangelists with, above them all, a bronze statue of Jesus. Inside the Church (which, when it was completed in 1969, became the largest Christian church in the Middle East) is divided into two level; the upper level is the parish church for Nazareth's catholic community and the lower level enshrines a grotto containing the cave-home of the Virgin Mary. Another simple altar, with seating on three sides, This altar stands directly beneath the cupola of the Church. The cupola represents an inverted lily opening its petals to the shrine below; the symbolism being two fold combining the lily image of Mary's purity with one of the Semitic meanings of the name Nazareth, a flower. In the upper church, around the walls, are colourful representation of the Virgin Mary in a variety of materials. These have been presented by many countries, as have the mosaics in the arcades outside the Church. On any tour of Israel, the Church of the Annunciation is one church you should not miss
3. Holy Caves of Nazareth
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
The Holy Caves are the centre of ancient Nazareth. Many experts believe that Nazareth never actually existed at the time of Jesus due to lack of findings. Well these caves are proof that there certainly Was life here in Nazareth pre-Jesus, but it was all in an underground city built over centuries by Jews and early Christians trying to escape Roman persecution.Here at the Holy Caves you'll get a free guided tour in the only caves you are allowed access to in Nazareth. You'll be transported back in time and shown exactly where Mary walked to gather water through a network of tunnels that have yet to be excavated. What's more, you'll get the opportunity to see what could possibly be the world's first Christian alter.
Reviewed By Prachu56in - Bengaluru, India
Global church wherein you can see the various forms of Jesus ... as considered by each country. Liked the architecture and the sereness of the location.
4. Synagogue-Church
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 118 reviews
This is the site where it is believed the young Jesus was taught and where he later preached.
Reviewed By michelleclarkdesign - Upland, United States
This crusader era church is believed to have been built over the site of the synagogue that Jesus would have attended as a child. It is a beautiful and very spiritual place. If able to attend a Mass here, I highly recommend it. It sits at the end of the alley next to the more modern church.
5. Mary's Well
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 291 reviews
Reviewed By Deventernaar - Deventer, The Netherlands
On our walk in Nazareth just of the main street we found Mary's Well. The water is coming from a fresh water spring of the village.Mary visited this Well offen with her young son.
6. Tzipori
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
7. Museo Francescano E Zona Archeologica
Overall Ratings
2.0 based on 1 reviews
