Overview

Nazareth is the largest Arab city in Israel described by some as ‘the Forgotten Son’ of Israeli tourism, nestled in the Galilee region dotted with dozens of important Christian sites, fascinating cultural sites, and experiences. The city is a stunning location and the childhood home of Jesus, a fascinating place to discover so much history and several beautiful churches, it is the place of pilgrimage for the world’s Christians, who believe it to be the site of the Annunciation when the Archangel Gabriel announced the birth of Jesus to the Virgin Mary.

The New Testament states that Nazareth was the childhood town of Jesus, and today the city is a major pilgrimage site. The bustling mini-metropolis is filled with traditional souqs, carpenter and dressmaker workshops, a 2000-year-old bathhouse, important biblical sites, grand Ottoman mansions, and quaint cafes. The city’s charming winding cobblestone streets lead visitors to important historical and cultural sites and other hidden treasures, wandering these back streets is a great way to absorb the local culture.

The historical Old City city has been extensively reinvented over the years featuring some fantastic well-preserved Ottoman-era mansions and other beautiful architecture and unique character. There are busy thoroughfares lined with shops, markets, cafes, and restaurants. The city is a sophisticated culinary and cultural destination brimming with delicious dining opportunities and top-rated tourist attractions. Nazareth is among the most beautiful historical destinations in the world, also known as ‘the Arab capital of Israel’.

The modern-day city of Nazareth is nestled in a natural bowl that reaches 1,049 feet above sea level up to the crest of the hills up to 1,600 feet. Situated just 15 miles from the Sea of Galilee and 6 miles west of Mount Tabor. The city of Nazareth is a ghost town on Sundays as most shops and attractions are closed for the Christian sabbath day.

Things to see and do

There are many holy places to check out in the city of Nazareth, the imposing Basilica of the Annunciation is one of the city’s major landmarks, the Greek Orthodox Church of the Archangel Gabriel is built over the freshwater spring known as “Mary’s Well”, and the Greek Catholic “Synagogue Church” which is the assumed site where the young Jesus was taught, and the Franciscan Church of St. Joseph, which is built over a cave identified as the “workshop” of Joseph since the 17th century.

The ancient 2,000-year-old bathhouse is set in the heart of the city, a historical treasure, it is known as “Jesus’ Bathhouse” an excellent example of a typical bathhouse from the 1st century AD. There are bathhouse-guided tours into the caldarium (steam room) which features the furnace that once heated the baths and the most beautiful hypocaust heating tunnels. The water for the baths is said to have come from Mary’s Well, which was them ain source of water back in those times.

Mary’s Well and its surrounding structure known as el-Sabl in Arabi has been renovated and restored to its original form. The well is the symbol of the city, a souvenir shop named Cactus is next to Mary’s Well and belongs to Elias and Martina Shama who bought the shop in the 1990s. They discovered beneath the shops was a network of beautifully preserved ancient stone arches that once supported a giant bathhouse. The remains beneath the shop are thought to date back to the ancient Roman era, to the time of Jesus.

The Salesian Church of Jesus the Adolescent is nestled on the Mount of the Start overlooking Nazareth and the surrounding countryside. The church can be reached via a zig-zag path, it was built in 1918 featuring a neo-Gothic style designed by French architect Lucia Gauthier. The site of the church is traditionally said to be where Jesus lived during his youth. The church hosts regular classical music performances in the evenings.

Mount Precipice, also known as Mount of Precipitation, Mount of the Leap of the Lord, and Mount Kedumim is located just outside the city. A great location for a short hike up a paved road to the top where stunning views can be enjoyed over the city and the Jezreel Valley, Mount Precipice is a historical landmark.

The Holy Caves of Nazareth are an interesting place to visit and home to what could have been the world’s first Christian altar and where Mary, Joseph, and Jesus lived. The caves are nestled in the heart of ancient Nazareth, they were built over centuries by the Jews and early Christians who were trying to escape Roman persecution. There are free guided tours to the portions of the caves that are accessible, a gateway to the underground city, much of it has not been excavated.

Cana is located around 5 miles northeast of Nazareth, an attractive town great for a day trip from Nazareth. Cana is one of the two sites, the other in Southern Lebanon, both contended for the title of being the place where Jesus performed his first miracle, the changing of water into wine. There are three churches in town commemorating the miracle. The Franciscan church was consecrated in 1883 and local tradition has it that the church is built over the site where the miracle occurred.

Shopping

There are many shopping opportunities available in Nazareth including authentic souqs that extend up the hill from the Church of the Annunciation. The Old City has a famous souq selling traditional Arabic produce, a great experience for visitors. The Old market can be found along 6152 and the nearby streets, this is a great place to shop and eat. The Elbabour Galilee Mill on Al-Bishara Street 41 is the best place in the city to shop for fresh oils and spices, the shop has been around for over 100 years and originally opened as a flour mill. The Christmas markets in Nazareth are a big hit with stalls selling Arabic food, souvenirs, and more.

Food and Nightlife

There are many great restaurants in the city offering all kinds of different cuisine options including Arab cuisine and other varieties. Visitors can enjoy a full gastronomic experience and the renowned and delicious local tradition of welcoming diners. There are many restaurants found along Pope Paul VI Street and Casa Nova Street in Nazareth near the basilica. Some specialties to try in the city include Katayef, a traditional pancake filled with nuts or goat cheese, and a sweet sauce on top. There is an old traditional falafel shop that is popular and delicious. Shawarma is another popular dish, and meze is an Arabic salad, grilled meats are fresh and featured, and most menus along with fresh pita bread. Many bakeries are selling delicious traditional baklava, other deserts, and Turkish coffee.

There are several options for nightlife in the city of Nazareth with wine, beer, and liquor available in Christian areas. There are some trendy places nestled around Church square and behind Mary’s Well, which is the focal point in the city, especially at night. Al Bayat “The House” is a popular establishment with lots of drinks on the menu as well as an extensive menu of international fusion cuisine. The House has a lovely outdoor patio and has the local Palestinian beer “Taybeh” on tap with complimentary peanuts and pretzels as well as live music some nights.

History and Culture

Christmas Markets are a big attraction in Nazareth, even though it’s hot and sunny outside during the holiday season, the Christmas season is important in the holy city. There are large Christmas Eve masses held at the Catholic Basilica of the Annunciation or the Green Orthodox Church of the Annunciation. The markets are held along the main shopping streets in the city and are very special with tons of stalls selling traditional and authentic items such as souvenirs and Arab Food. The city celebrates Christmas by lighting up the streets with twinkling lights, and firework displays along with Christmas carols in church.

The hill where the Church of the Annunciation and St. Joseph’s Church stand was inhabited from the time of the patriarchs in the 2nd Millenium BC. The little houses of the village were built on top of tombs from the 2nd millennium, and underground chambers were excavated and had been used during the first half of the 1st millennium BC.

The city of Nazareth first appeared in the New Testament in the account of the Annunciation and Jesus is said to have lived here until after his baptism by John. Nazareth was taken in AD 614 by the Persians, and Jews who destroyed it. It was recovered by the Byzantines in 629 AD who took revenge by destroying the Jewish population and their houses. Norman the Crusader took Nazareth in 1099 and ruled as Prince of Galilee.

The town developed during the 19th and 20th centuries under Ottoman rule, and then later British rule and in 1948 it became part of Israel, and the new Jewish settlement of Nazareth Illit (Upper Nazareth) with its own administration which grew up on the hills above the town. The city’s biblical connections and multiple historical sites are one of the main reasons visitors come here, and some of the top sites including the Basilica of the Annunciation, which is said to be the site of Mary’s childhood home and the place where the Angel Gabriel appeared to her.

There are many well-preserved churches and fortifications in Nazareth including a Roman theatre, Christian churches, and a Crusader fort as well as a number of impressive Byzantine mosaics that date to the 3rd and 6th centuries. One of the most well-renowned mosaics dates to the 4th century named the ‘Mona Lisa of Galilee’.