Nazareth of the Annunciation is the largest Arab city in Israel with a population of 60,000 - half Christians and half Moslems - living together in harmonious co-existence. It's geographic location, with Cana of the Wedding Feast and Sapphires (Tzippori) just next door, make it a perfect base from which to tour the rest of the Galilee It offers a uniquely different experience to the visitor. Picturesque red roofs and white stone churches ramble haphazardly down the slopes of this ancient Galilee hillside, the summit of which overlooks the panorama of the entire Jezreel Valley. Nazareth, being one of the most important Christian holy sites in the world, has always been a very special haven for Christians & pilgrims. The visitor finds an exciting Middle Eastern ambiance with exotic flavors and textures, imbued with the famed warm and friendly hospitality of the Arab population, yet retaining many spiritual oases of serenity and peace provided by the diverse Christian orders in their beautiful Churches and Monasteries.

ATTRACTIONS

BASILICA OF THE ANNUNCIATION
Imposing modern two storey Basilica, erected over earlier Byzantine & Crusader church, marks the traditional Roman Catholic site of the Annunciation. The interior enshrines the sunken Grotto of the Annunciation - actual remains of the 1st century maiden home of Mary.

CHURCH OF ST. JOSEPH'S CARPENTRY
Situated in the same complex as the Basilica of the Annunciation. Traditionally the original workshop of Joseph and Home of the Holy Family, it contains ruins of 1st century Nazareth.

SISTERS OF NAZARETH CONVENT
Close to Annunciation complex, housing Youth Hostel and religious hospice, with 1st century excavations including Herodian Tomb (by appointment only).

ANCIENT SYNAGOGUE & GREEK CATHOLIC CHURCH
Within the marketplace is a humble structure of thick, curved stone walls (known as the Synagogue Church) that is the site of the ancient synagogue where Jesus preached as a young man. It stands adjacent to the Greek Catholic church.

THE WHITE MOSQUE - EL ABYAD
The El Abyad mosque , situated at the edge of the Old Market, was the first to be built in Nazareth in 1812.

ANGLICAN CHURCH (Jesus' Church)
Designed in the shape of the cross this was the second Anglican church to be built in the Holyland. Completed 1871.

ST. GABRIEL GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF THE ANNUNCIATION
The crypt of this ornate 18th century church houses a 1st century spring of water believed to be the source of Mary's Well. The spring is connected to the site of the Well by an underground aqueduct.

MARY'S WELL
Opposite the St. Gabriel Greek Orthodox Church a modern stone structure in a small garden setting marks the site of Mary's Well.

ST. MARGARET (Hospice)
Anglican orphanage for girls, built in 1874 by Prussian architect.

MASCOBIA
Russian hospice for pilgrims, built in 1904 by the Russian Duke Sergio, near St. Gabriel Church - influenced by Russian Architecture.

GREEK ORTHODOX BISHOPRIC
The house of the Bishop, built in 1860 and includes small church completed in 1863.

SARAYA
The governor house - erected in 1730 as summer house of the Galilee Governor Daher El-Omar - some addition had been done in 1857. (There is a plan to restore it to be as a Museum).

MARONITE CHURCH
Also known as the Church of St. Anthony, and situated next to Mensa Christi, was completed in 1774.

MENSA CHRISTI (Jesus' Table)
Known as Kniset El-Balta (Jesus's table). Here is said that christ dined with his disciples. This church houses a large chalk-stone rock scored with graffiti by countless pilgrims throughout the ages. It was erected in 1860 and belong to the Franciscans.

SALESIAN CHURCH OF JESUS AS AN ADOLESCENT
Magnificent panoramic view from its site on the peak of the hill. Fine example of modern Gothic architecture.