As the place where Jesus grew up, studied and lived most of his life, Nazareth has for two thousand years been closely identified with Christianity and has attracted hundreds of millions of pilgrims from around the world. Nazareth is also Israel’s largest Arab city and as such serves as a major cultural center. Over the past decade the historical Old City has been extensively renovated, preserving and restoring the architectural beauty and unique character of its narrow lanes and alleys.

The combination of these three elements - history, culture and architecture - assures the Old City of Nazareth a place among the most beautiful historical destinations in the world. We invite you to see, hear, savor and experience some of Nazareth’s secrets!

Old City Sites

The Basilica of the Annunciation is built above the sunken grotto which according to the Roman Catholic faith was the home of the Virgin Mary and the place where she received the Annunciation (the announcement of the imminent birth of Jesus). The large and impressive modern-day church is built above the remains of churches dating back to Crusader and Byzantine times, still visible on the lower level. The church boasts dozens of pictures donated by Christian communities around the world.

St. Gabriel’s Church of the Annunciation is built above a spring believed to be the source of a well where Mary drew water each day. This is the site where the Greek Orthodox tradition maintains that the Angel Gabriel revealed to Mary knowledge of the impending birth of Jesus. The church houses many interesting icons and wall paintings, as well as the holy spring.

The White Mosque was built at the beginning of the 19th century and is located in the heart of the city’s market area. It is easily recognizable by its Ottoman style, pencil-shaped minaret. The mosque’s white color symbolizes the peace and good relations enjoyed among all of Nazareth’s residents.

Mary’s Well and the Ancient Bath House. The structure surrounding Mary’s Well (known as el-Sabil in Arabic) was recently renovated and restored to its original form. Mary’s Well is the symbol of Nazareth Municipality. Next to Mary’s Well is a pleasant souvenir shop named Cactus, belonging to Elias and Martina Shama. After buying the shop in the 1990s, the Shamas discovered that beneath it was concealed one of the most exciting and important discoveries in Nazareth in recent history: a network of beautifully preserved ancient stones arches that once supported a giant bath house. It is believed the exposed remains beneath the shop may date back to the ancient Roman era - that is, to the time of Jesus - and have been fed by the same water that supplied Mary’s Well. There is an entrance fee to the site, but no advance reservation is necessary and guided explanations and hot and cold drinks are available to visitors.

The Synagogue Church

Dating from the Crusader period, this church stands next to the Greek Catholic Church in the midst of the old market. Tradition has it that this was originally the synagogue where Jesus prayed and preached.
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Hidden Palaces

Towards the end of the Ottoman era, when local leaders such as Governor Daher el-Omar ruled the Galilee, the economy thrived throughout the region and in particular in Nazareth. The physical expression of this period of affluence was the appearance of a number of luxurious homes in the heart of the Old City. These generously built homes boasted, among other signs of wealth, ceilings painted with richly decorated frescoes displaying many different motifs. One of the highlights of any visit to Nazareth is a view of one of these unique houses, providing a glimpse of the city’s past and indeed that of the whole country. Call the Tourist Association’s offices (+972-4-6011072) to book a tour of a home, complete with decorated ceiling.

Nazareth Hospitality in the Best Middle Eastern Tradition

The city’s many restaurants provide a full gastronomic experience in all types of Arab cuisine. Any visit to Nazareth must allow time to enjoy to the full the renowned (and delicious!) local tradition of welcoming diners. And why not complete the day with a visit to one of the shops on the main street offering tempting sweets and desserts, which remain unrivalled from Cairo to Damascus. Nazareth also has many other activities to offer visitors, such as the Sacra Music Festival at Easter and Christmas events. Nazareth situated in the center of Lower Galilee, it is an excellent starting-off point for touring local sites. Hotels within the city range from 3-star to 5-star rating, and two local monasteries have also been converted to provide guest accommodation with a unique historical ambience. For rates and contact details see our website www.nazarethinfo.org.

More Fascinating Sites

 Nazareth Village, located in the southern section of the city close to the Nazareth Hospital, was opened some three years ago following extensive research. The village provides a glimpse of life in Nazareth (and in fact throughout the Holy Land) in the early days of the Roman Period. You will see ancient agricultural and building methods at work, witness the pressing of olives and taste the foods of the day. Villagers in period costume bring to life this reproduction of life in ancient times. Advance reservation recommended: 04-645 6042. Entrance fee. www.nazarethvillage.com
Tel: 972-4-6011072   Fax: 972-46469308 www.nazarethinfo.org

Nazareth Sisters Convent, off Casa Nova Street, by the Basilica of the Annunciation, offers subterranean tours of this historic Nazareth site, including ancient tombs, columns and houses possibly dating back to Roman times. The sisters also have a small museum exhibiting old coins and pottery. The convent itself includes a beautiful enclosed courtyard and guest accommodation. Tour groups by arrangement: +972-4-6554304.

 Observation point on the Mount of the Precipice (Mount of the Leap of the Lord) looks down over the Jezreel Valley from on high to offer breathtaking views towards the Gilad Mountains in eastern Jordan, Mount Tabor and Mount Carmel. According to Christian legend, the people of Nazareth tried to throw Jesus from the top of this mountain into the abyss, but he leapt (hence the name) to Mount Tabor and escaped their hands. An ancient cave discovered at the foot of the mountain revealed findings of the greatest importance to the study of prehistoric man. Today a newly paved road leads visitors directly to the observation point at the peak of the mountain.

The view from the top of St. Gabriel’s Bell Tower is equally impressive. The monastery is located high on a ridge named Nabi Sa’in, overlooking the Old City from one side and towards the Galilee Hills from the other. The site has not been in use as a monastery for several years now and has been converted to hotel accommodation. Climbing down from the tower, relax on the hotel’s lawns and enjoy the stunning view, further enriched by coffee and cake.

Ceramics Workshop (Pakhorat el Mussamar). This authentic factory is located beneath the court house that overlooks Nazareth from the east. The grandfather of the family was sent to study pottery-making in Syria early in the last century and, on his return, chose to settle here because of the high quality of local marl clay. Thus began a family tradition that continues to this day of top quality ceramics made from local clay, both by hand and using industrial machinery. Visitors can view the entire creation and production process and even try their hand at pottery with helpful guidance from a family member. Advance reservation recommended: 972-4-6011072

Walking Tour of the Old City – Recommended!

Duration of the tour: 3 hours.

The route begins at the Mary’s Well Square (ample parking nearby). Visit the recently renovated well area (el-Sabil). Opposite is the ancient bath house, also well worth a visit (entrance fee payable), including the pleasant souvenir shop Cactus and a guided tour followed by hot and cold drinks. The remains discovered beneath the shop are believed to date back to the early Roman era - the time of Jesus. From here continue to the nearby square to visit the famous Greek Orthodox St. Gabriel’s Church. This is the site at which, according to Greek Orthodox belief, Mary received the Annunciation from the Angel Gabriel. On exiting the church, walk along the Pilgrim’s Path towards the Municipality and the Mascobia building-
an impressive project built in 1904 as a hospice for Russian pilgrims. Further along the Pilgrim’s Path, on Street 6098 (most of Nazareth’s streets are known by numbers rather than names), you reach Bishop’s Square. On the right is the Greek Orthodox Bishopric, a white building in the Greek style, faced on the opposite side by picturesque houses reminiscent of Venetian palazzos, which have recently been preserved and renovated.

The house on the left is Authors’ House, an art institute. Continue along Street 6098 to an alley named Sebat Qa’war until you reach Folklore House (Beit al-Sebat), the home of Tanous Qa’war, Nazareth’s first mayor in 1875. Today the building houses a museum recreating life in the Galilee from the last century (entrance fee payable).

From Folklore House turn left to Street 6132 going towards the vegetable market, then left again to Street 6089. Here you can visit Casa Palestina, a beautiful building that from 1810 was used to store barley, where the owners will tell you the history of the place. There is a caf? bar here, where you can take a break with Arabic coffee or a cold beer, as well as enjoying a free exhibition of handicrafts. Leaving Casa Palestina, pass through a vault leading to the Saraya building, the center of Ottoman rule from 1735 onwards. This attractive building is currently undergoing preservation work in preparation for conversion to a municipal museum.

Returning to the direction of the vegetable market and the courtyard of the White Mosque with its pencil-shaped minaret, walk along Street 6133 into the well-preserved and restored market. Stroll through lanes and alleys leading off to the right and left and investigate the shops with their great variety of goods. Among these alleys you will find the Synagogue Church. Eventually you will emerge opposite the Basilica of the Annunciation, an essential highlight of any tour of the city.

Finally, one cannot leave Nazareth without sampling the delicious fare served in one of the many restaurants, followed, of course, by irresistible and mount-watering Middle Eastern desserts, such as baklawa and kenaffee.