Location: Nazareth
Top Things to do in Nazareth
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Things to do in Nazareth, Northern District: The Best Sights & Landmarks
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. 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.
2. Megiddo National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 410 reviews
This archaeological site of an ancient fortress town has revealed more than 20 layers of ruins, ranging in time from the Neolithic Period (7000 BC) to the end of the Persian Period (332 BC).
Reviewed By KimGTravels - Pacific Grove, United States
Also known as Tel (Hill) Megiddo, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is an historically significant ancient location of artifacts & ruins from various cultures, dating back from the Neolithic Period (7th-6th Century BC), through the Kings of Israel, and abandoned under the times of the Persians. Portions of the Canaanite City Gate remain from the Late Bronze Age as the visitor enters onto the Megiddo site, along a pathway winding up through sparse ruins. At the Northern Observation Point, a view overlooking the famous Jezreel Valley reveals the former battlefield below, where major battles occurred in the 15th Century BCE under Egyptian Pharaoh Thutmose III, later Alexander the Great and more recently in World War I (1918), General Edmund Allenby, who successfully fought the Ottoman Turkish forces here. Napoleon observed at Megiddo that: "All the armies of the world could maneuver their forces on this vast plain". Yes; this is the location of the final "Biblical Battle of Armageddon" and has numerous historic references within the Jewish "Tanakh" & the Christian "Bible". A former trade route that linked Egypt with Mesopotamia, this strategic site overlooks the key pass through the Carmel Mountains. This formerly fortified city used chariots for protection and its horses were sheltered in two stable complexes, whose foundations are now outlined. Most intriguing was our exploration through the protected water system and its tunnel, built under the period of the Israelite Kings, within the former walls of Megiddo. A 10 minute film prior to your tour explains the history of Megiddo and its archeological excavations. A visit to Megiddo is awe-inspiring and should not be missed!
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. St. Gabriel's Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 192 reviews
Reviewed By suslik12 - Lviv, Ukraine
Small Greek Orthodocs Old Church, with a lot of icons and nice atmosphere in it. Very old walls and passages inside, with much History. Right next to the Church stands a New Christmas Tree, and around it - Great Celebration of Eastern Church's Christmas.
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. 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.
9. Mt. of Precipice Lookout Point
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 181 reviews
Reviewed By tvgrand - Arroyo Grande, United States
The view is breathtaking, but knowing Jesus stood here and the crowd threatened to throw Him off is what really stops your breath. You can literally see for miles and miles. Comfortable hike on paved path up and large bolders to sit on once you arrive.
10. Mensa Christi Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By WilmaL334 - Somerset West, South Africa
It is a church built on the spot where Jesus, with his 3rd appearance to the disciples, roasted fish on the beach, and where Peter received confirmation of his calling. There is a statue in the garden where it is depicted: “Let my sheep feed”. The church is also called Church of the Primacy of St. Peter. The flat stone in front of the altar is the “table of Christ” = Mensa Christi. The 12 heart-shaped flat stones outside commemorate the 12 apostles. I light a candle here; then pick up some pebbles from the sea and could walk into and feel the waters of the Sea of Galilee.
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