Nazareth is the town where, according to the Gospels, Jesus grew up – the place that gave him the name by which he is often known, Jesus of Nazareth. Today it is the largest Arab city in northern Israel, with a mixed Christian and Muslim population, and a place of pilgrimage that rewards those who explore beyond the great basilica. This guide looks at the wider sites and the experience of visiting.
Mary’s Well and the Greek Orthodox Church
A different tradition holds that the Annunciation began while Mary was drawing water from the town spring. Over that spring stands the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, also called the Church of St Gabriel, with the flowing waters of Mary’s Well still beneath it. Visiting both this church and the Catholic basilica gives a fuller sense of how two ancient communities have honoured the same story in different ways.
The Old Town and Its Sites
Nazareth’s old town is a warren of stone lanes, churches and a lively market (souk) selling spices, sweets and crafts. Among its sites are the Church of St Joseph, traditionally linked to the carpenter’s workshop of Jesus’s foster father, and the synagogue church, recalling where Jesus is said to have taught. Just outside town, attractions such as Nazareth Village recreate daily life in the first century for visitors who want to imagine the world Jesus knew.
A Base for the Galilee
Nazareth also makes an excellent base for exploring the wider Galilee, the region where much of Jesus’s ministry unfolded. The Sea of Galilee, Cana (associated with the wedding miracle), Mount Tabor and Capernaum are all within easy reach. The landscape of rolling hills, olive groves and vineyards is beautiful in its own right, and pilgrims often spend several days following the Gospel trail across the region.
Practical Notes
Nazareth is busy and its old streets are steep, so comfortable shoes are essential. Modest dress is required in the churches. The town is at its most vivid – and most crowded – around Christmas and Easter. As with any visit to the region, it is wise to check current travel advice before you go.
