Top 10 Nazareth Attractions

It was here in a grotto beneath this church that the Angel Gabriel came to Mary with the news of her future son. The grotto is thought to have been Mary’s childhood home. The Basilica was designed by renowned architect Giovanni Muzio and includes gorgeous murals and stunning mosaics. There are mosaics depicting Mother and Child (baby Jesus and Mary) from countries around the world. Each mosaic features the Holy pair as they are seen through the eyes of the different ethnic cultures of the world.

In 1993 an ancient public Roman bath was discovered by chance beneath the city. During renovations of one of the stores the remains of the 1st century bathhouse were revealed. It was found that the baths would have been fed water from Mary’s Well. The baths had a hot room (caldarium), heating tunnels (hypocaust), cool rooms and a furnace. Experts believe that the baths would have been in use before and during Jesus’ lifetime. Today tourists can tour the remains and enjoy refreshments in the cavern where the wood and ashes would have been stored.

At this interactive site you can see a recreated 1st century village just as it would have been in Nazareth during Jesus’ childhood. The attraction is staffed by costumed actors playing the roles of villages and Biblical figures. In the village traditional crafts and chores are demonstrated and you can see the “villagers” going about their normal everyday life.

This is an alternate site for the annunciation; the Eastern Orthodox Church considered this the site where the Angel Gabriel told Mary of her impending pregnancy and future son. The well is also known as the Virgin Fountain and the waters are said to have healing powers. The well is in a pretty square where there are several restaurants and cafes and not far away is the Eastern Orthodox Church of Saint Gabriel where the spring originates which feeds the well. The square is the site of the annual Christmas celebrations in Nazareth.

In Luke 4 we learn of the incident when the citizens of Nazareth chased Jesus out of town to the edge of a cliff on Mount Precipice and wanted to throw him over the side. They were enraged that he had dared to call himself the Messiah. As this event unfolded Mary stood watching not far away on what is now called Fear Mountain or Shivering Hill. This chapel is built on the spot where Mary stood in fright. It is a small chapel on a picturesque hill surrounded by greenery. The church was fully restored in 2009 to recreate the original features of the church built in 1882.

This 17th century church was built over the spring which feeds Mary’s Well. The spring still bubbles beneath the church and visitors can see the water welling up in the church crypt. The Eastern Orthodox Church hold this as the true annunciation site as it is the spring which feeds Mary’s Well where they believe Gabriel came to Mary as she was fetching water from the well. As you descend into the crypt you will see magnificent Armenian glazed tiles from the Ottoman era covering the walls and floor.

This Ottoman-era structure has magnificent architecture and the traditional features of that period like red tiles on the roof; mural covered ceilings; marble columns and thirteen gorgeous rooms. The house was once the home of the Governor of the Galilee. You can arrange a free tour of the house through the Nazareth Tourist Office.

Perhaps one of the most beautiful churches in Nazareth is the Salesian Church built in the Gothic style with bold features and characteristic tall spires. The church sits on a hill overlooking the city and is one of the largest churches in Nazareth. The church is named after the St. Francis de Sales, a religious organization created by Don Bosco to help underprivileged children. The name also refers to the fact that Jesus spent his younger years here in Nazareth.  Those with enough energy can climb the 250 steps to the top of the church for amazing views across Nazareth.

This church (also called the Church of the Nutrition) is built above the grottoes which are thought to have been Joseph’s carpentry workshop and the Holy family’s home. Visitors can descent into the grottoes and see where Joseph would have taught Jesus the family trade. In addition the upper part of the church holds several beautiful pieces of art. The church has been rebuilt on this site many times and the version we see today dates back to 1914.

Not far from Mary’s Well is the Galilee Mill where this enchanting spice store has bags of spices lined up on the floor and shelves. The spices are ground on the premises and have been for the last 120 years. Visitors can see the 250 year old building and the historic mill’s antique equipment, the stone-walled rooms and hidden garden. For a real taste of the Middle East why not take home a few bags full of genuine Middle Eastern spices. In addition to the spices there are herbs and naturally made perfumes.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of people travel to Nazareth in order explore what the city has to offer. There are various tours to Nazareth leaving every day from any hotel in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. Enjoy!