Nazareth - Birthplace of Jesus

November 18, 2022

Israel

Haïfa- Nazareth

45 mins with the bus 331 (direct, no change) for 5.50 shekels (1.50 dollars).

Concretely, there are many buses. Google Maps or the Moovit app provide all the necessary directions. The bus network is really good.

NAZARETH

Located in the beautiful Lower Galilee region of Israel, Nazareth is known worldwide as the birthplace of Jesus. For this reason, itis one of the most important cities of the Holy Land. According to the Gospels, this is where the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and where the Holy Family lived during Jesus' childhood. Built on top of a hill, it is theone of the essential destinations for pilgrims in the Holy Land..

Today, it is the largest Arab city in Israel. The majority of the inhabitants of Nazareth are Muslim or Christian. Being a city belonging to the Christian cultural heritage, being inhabited by a Muslim majority while being part of a Jewish state, is one of the many characteristics that make this city so unique.

What to do in Nazareth?

The Basilica of the Annunciation

Beautifully erected on the remains of an ancient Byzantine church, that revered the place where Jesus spent his early years with Mary and Joseph, this stunning church was consecrated in 1969. It holds the title of the largest church in the Middle East and is considered one of the most important of modern times.

Orthodox in style, it has two floors and is distinguished by its large dome. In the floor of the church is a large octagonal opening with a view of the lower level. There are the famous Grotto of the Annunciation, considered by Christians to be the childhood home of the Virgin Mary and the remains of the site's earliest churches. In the outer courtyard, several mosaics of virgins from all over the world are exhibited: Japanese, African, Indonesian and even Canarian, such as the Virgin of Candelaria.

A real gem! A must for anyone coming to Nazareth.

Click on a photo to start the slideshow

: The Basilica of the Annunciation

: The Basilica of the Annunciation

: The Basilica of the Annunciation

: The Basilica of the Annunciation

: The Basilica of the Annunciation

: The Basilica of the Annunciation

: The Basilica of the Annunciation

: The Basilica of the Annunciation

: The Basilica of the Annunciation

: The Basilica of the Annunciation

: The Basilica of the Annunciation

: The Basilica of the Annunciation

St. Joseph's Church

In the same complex, is the Saint-Joseph church, built in 1914. This temple built in honor of the companion of Mary houses the remains of the Joseph's carpentry.It is traditionally admitted by believers to be the place where Joseph once had his carpentry workshop. The interior of the church is sober but there is a lot of light, thanks to the white stone columns that fill the room.

Click on a photo to start the slideshow

Did you know ?

Christians, Muslims, and Jews have lived together in Haifa for centuries, so the Old City is dotted with churches, synagogues, and mosques.

The market of Nazareth

This historic Arab souk is the liveliest place in the whole city. At its street stalls, you can find everything from food to local souvenirs. Its narrow and steep stone streets give it a very special charm.

Encounters

I stroll through the alleys when I pass by the Liwan Culture Cafe, which looks so cozy. On the wall sits a Palestine panel, which tickles my curiosity. Go for a coffee that turns out to be tasty. I start a discussion with the boss Sami and his waitress. This gentleman is kind, courteous and has a most interesting conversation. Palestinian, he tells me about life through the dramas that have taken place in these countries. Its coffeeshop is a place of well-being and exchanges where live music groups regularly perform. I am spending a pleasantly unexpected moment here. Sami lets me know that he is going on business to Haifa in the late afternoon. Most naturally, he offers me to make my return journey with him. How simple life can be sometimes. We will continue our conversation over a glass of wine. A nice meeting!

Assessment

A short but rich passage in this small town with a tiny center. Few things are to be seen but it is worth the detour for the spirituality and the history which emanate from it. Back to Haifa where I still stay with Dan. Great evening spent with Sami, who is definitely a nice person.

I plan to spend a few days in the splendid Jerusalem, which is so much talked about. I leave my big backpack at my buddy's and I take my cabin luggage. Let's go!

Next destination: Jerusalem- Israel