Places of Interest

Places of Interest BACK

Basilica of the Annunciation: Rehov Casa Nova. Largest church in Middle East. Built over grotto where Archangel Gabriel appeared to Mary to announce the birth of Jesus (Luke 1:26-35).
The Basilica, planned by Professor Giovanni Muzio of Milan, and built in 1960-69, is over the lower church or crypt and the remains of pre-Byzantine, Byzantine and Crusader churches. Glorifies Mary and the mystery of the incarnation. The block of the two churches forms a parallelepipedon (with six faces).
The 6-m.-high presbytery is built over the main apse of the Crusaders' Church. Within it are thirty-five choir stalls made of plain mahogany. Many of the wall paintings, mosaics, stained-glass windows and sculptures are gifts from countries around the world. In the courtyard behind the Upper Church there is a museum of the finds from excavations around the churches. Open 9 - 11.45 a.m., 2 - 5.30 p.m. Entry forbidden to persons wearing shorts. Taking photographs inside is forbidden.

Basilica of Jesus the Youth: Rehov Salesian. Built in 1906 by Frenchwoman, Madame Foache. Together with technical high school, it is supervised by Salesian Order of St. John Bosco.

Convent of Mary's Fear: on Mt. of Dread, in south of city, above Paul VI Road. Franciscan convent over site where Mary saw Jesus escape his pursuers by leaping from a precipice.

Church of the Annunciation (Greek Orthodox): northern end of Rehov Masqobia. Also known as St. Gabriel's Church. Today it serves as a hotel with a beautiful view of the city. Built almost 300 years ago over well where Mary is said to have drawn water. Greek Orthodox believe Gabriel appeared to Mary near this site. Interior richly furnished with icons and wood-carved pulpits. Descend some steps to see source of spring feeding the well.

Frank Sinatra Club and Social Centre: Rehov Namsawi, east of Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation. Named after the entertainer who financed it. Social club for all faiths, library and lecture halls.

The Old Market: A bustling, colourful bazaar, near the Annunciation complex, with fresh fruits and vegetables, Middle Eastern delicacies, inexpensive clothing and souvenirs.

Mensa Christi: on side-street near the market. Franciscan chapel around large block of soft limestone, traditionally accepted as a table used by Jesus and his disciples after the Resurrection. Church built in 1861.

Old Mosque: near market place. Also known as the White Mosque. More modern As-Salam mosque on Mosque Road, completed in 1965, has platform resembling Taj Mahal in India. Special wing for women.

Old Synagogue: in market place. Some maintain that Jesus prayed here. Known today as ``Greek Catholic Church of the Old Synagogue.'' Last used in 1887. Has some Crusader walls. Open: Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. 9 a.m. - 12.30 p.m., 2.30-6 p.m. Wed. & Sat. 9 a.m. - 12.30 p.m. Closed Sundays. If locked ask market traders nearby for caretaker.

St. Joseph's Church: next to the Basilica of the Annunciation. Built over 13th century Crusader site, covering grotto of Joseph's home and workshop. Also known as the Church of the Nutrition and Joseph's Workshop. Open: 9-11.45 a.m., 2-5.30 p.m.

The roads (Nos. 754 and 77) from Nazareth to Tiberias are once more filled with the spell of the Galilee landscape. A few kilometres from Nazareth is Zippori, comprising extensive ruins from the Roman and Byzantine periods. This was an important Talmudic centre. See the mosaic which has been compared to the Mona Lisa. Seven kilometres from Nazareth, Road No. 754 winds round the predominantly Christian-Arab village of Cana. Park your car at the roadside and ask any one of the helpful villagers how to get to the nearby Franciscan Church of the First Miracle of Christ.