Top Things to do in Galilee
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10 Historic Sites in Galilee That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Galilee, Israel including Magdala, Cana, Church of the Multiplication, Hatser Tel Hai, The Church of the Annunciation, Capharnaum the Town of Jesus, Holy Caves of Nazareth, Mount of Beatitudes, The House and Church of St. Peter, Synagogue-Church.
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. 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.
3. 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.
4. Hatser Tel Hai
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. Capharnaum the Town of Jesus
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 542 reviews
Reviewed By 607jayb - Fairhope, United States
Wow, what a great place this is! The archeological site has been professionally and carefully excavated and the remains are simply one of the coolest treasures we saw in the entire Holy Land! We were on a guided tour and learned this was where Jesus lived for a while with the apostle Peter's mother-in-law. The house has been excavated and you can see where He actually sat, prayed, and ate meals. Incredible! The site also includes an excavated Jewish synagogue, so you can get a feel for worship practices of the Jews in those days. This amazing site has a working church, so be aware you may have to vacate that church above “Peter’s mother in law house” during worship services. They also have clean restrooms, a snack bar and a gift shop. All in all, a great place to spend a couple of hours away from the maddening crowds.
7. 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.
8. Mount of Beatitudes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 445 reviews
Reviewed By Z888XJheatherp - Gordonsville, United States
We went right before Covid happened. It was such a peaceful place. We had church right in front of the Catholic Church locates on the site.
9. 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.
10. 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.
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