Top Things to do in Galilee
What to do and see in Galilee, Northern District: The Best Sacred & Religious Sites
Discover the best top things to do in Galilee, Israel including Magdala, International Center Mary of Nazareth, Cana, Sea of Galilee, The Church of the Annunciation, St. Joseph Church, Nazareth Village, Church of the Multiplication, The Sephardic Synagogue of the Ari, The House and Church of St. Peter.
Restaurants in Galilee
1. Magdala
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,128 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 587 reviews
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. 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.
4. Sea of Galilee
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,410 reviews
Reviewed By KimGTravels - Pacific Grove, United States
Beautiful to look at, but a cruise on a "Jesus Boat" makes for a moving and memorable journey. Look up while on the Sea of Galilee to the imposing Mount Arbel. Life focuses on the sea, its history and the abundant food is provides, such as the St. Peter's Fish. Learn more about the unique geological and weather conditions that can turn this tranquil body of water into a raging sea. Such a treat to experience this Biblically historical Sea of Galilee!
5. 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
6. St. Joseph Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 357 reviews
Reviewed By aliammag - Bengaluru, India
A church in honor of St Joseph in the shadow of Annunciation Church (Catholic )! It is believed that the Holy Family lived there. A simple church ,has some noteworthy paintings such as the Holy Family, the Dream of Joseph and the Death of Joseph in the arms of Jesus and Mary. A staircase to the basement had displays of the work shop and other articles visible through grilled walls. It was amazing to Visualize and experience the history.
7. Nazareth Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 874 reviews
Nazareth Village is a living history farm and village that gives you the opportunity to experience what Nazareth was like at the time of Jesus and Mary. • Stand in our synagogue, an exact replica of the one where Jesus taught. • Watch olives from the farm pressed into oil. • • Talk to the carpenter and weaver as they create their wares. • Walk with the shepherd taking care of the sheep and goats. • See an authentic wine press actually used during Jesus’ time. • Learn about the different seasonal activities like threshing wheat, picking olives and shearing sheep through our guided tour. • Complete your experience with a delightful first century Biblical meal served by our villagers in a beautiful setting. * All tours are guided only. * A reservation is strongly recommended to ensure your place on a tour.
Reviewed By notdenise - Goshen, United States
My visit to Nazareth Village was the highlight of my 10 day trip to the Holy Land, and a welcome change from the other churches and holy sites in the area. The guides are very knowledgeable, and the interactive nature of the experience makes it very engaging and interesting. I was with a group of about 30 which was a good size group for a tour. Seeing the weaver, carpenter, synagogue, wine press, olive press, shepherds, garden, townspeople and more helped the stories of the Bible come alive and provide more understanding of the village and context in which Jesus lived. Our group spent about 1 1/2 hours here, which felt rushed and not enough time to fully experience everything. Make sure to check out the nice gift shop too. Nazareth Village is highly recommended.
8. Church of the Multiplication
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 332 reviews
Reviewed By 607jayb - Fairhope, United States
While this quaint little church is nothing too fancy, especially compared to many of the more ornate Holy Land churches, it has its own very special appeal. The ancient structure commemorates where Jesus performed the miracle of feeding five thousand people from just a few loaves and fishes. Inside you will see the rock where Jesus served the masses from, original Byzantine floor mosaics, and other ancient, historical relics. This is a very quiet and holy quiet site with a nice gift shop to boot. This attraction, like several in Galilee, serves as a nice respite from the maddening crowds in Jerusalem, Bethlehem and other more famous places.
9. The Sephardic Synagogue of the Ari
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By dustythoughts - Manchester, United States
This 16th-century synagogue, built in the memory of Rabbi Isaac Luria (known by his acronym, Ari), is centering, spiritual, and calming amidst the bustle. It's gorgeously built without being overwhelming, and is a calm place to pray and reflect. Try to come here with a tour guide who will explain the history and religious significance of the synagogue - we did, and we learned a lot.
10. The House and Church of St. Peter
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 189 reviews
Reviewed By KimGTravels - Pacific Grove, United States
Interesting architectural feat to erect a church above the ruins of the ancient home of St. Peter. Through a glass viewing area in the floor of the church above, the visitor can observe a direct view into the home of St. Peter below. Although the church structure is futuristic in design, it does offer the visitor an interesting perspective. Located within Capernaum, this is a definite must see for the Christian pilgrim while touring The Holy Land.
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