The 7 essential things to do in Nazareth

Would you like to visit Nazareth? Discover the best things to do in the city of Christ!

The largest city in the northern region of Israel, Nazareth is (re)known as the city of Jesus Christ himself. Although the latter was born to Bethlehem The New Testament depicts Nazareth as the place where the son of God would have spent much of his life and as the city of “Annunciation.”

You will have understood that the city of Nazareth is imbued with strong spiritual energy and a religious history that goes beyond Israel’s borders. Indeed, it houses many sites and buildings related to biblical events.

But it’s not just that. A city of a Jewish state, inhabited by a majority Muslim population and home to a Christian cult heritage, it is the illustration of multiculturalism. Some are your confession, whether you are believers or not, Nazareth reserves you some surprises that will certainly delight you.

Among them, a palette of panoramas that you are not ready to forget. Do you want to know what things you don't want to miss during your visit? Here are some must-sees to do and see in Nazareth!

1. The Village of Nazareth

The Village of Nazareth , rebuilding the style of biblical life in the first century after Jesus Christ, is an original way to immerse yourself in a place and an era that marked Christian history. To make this spectacular jump in time, you just have to follow the guide that will lead you through this fantastic open-air museum. You can even choose the theme — from archaeology to biblical studies, to pilgrimage — and the duration of your visit.

Take a walk in the middle of centenary olive groves, cross the fields where you will cross a few villagers, observe the goats, visit the tomb in the center of the village and push the door of some houses where you will have the pleasure of discovering Hannah the weaver or Joseph the carpenter.

And for a most realistic experience, enjoy delicious meals in replicas of pottery found during archaeological excavations.

2. The Basilica of the Annunciation

Built in the middle of the 20th century by the Italian architect Giovanni Muzzio, it was inaugurated in 1968. Basilica of the Annunciation is a Catholic building erected above the remains of the house of the holy family. Vestiges where the Archangel Gabriel would have announced to the Virgin Mary that she would bear the savior and son of God.

Thus, it became one of the most emblematic sites in the Holy Land. Basilica is an almost compulsory stop for Christians from all over the world, but also for art and architecture lovers.

Composed of several parts, this religious complex will capture your attention. And this from the courtyard where dozens of sublime mosaics — from various origins — represent the Virgin. During your visit you can visit:

The Mother Church

• A huge room for celebrations in different languages;
• A typical Jewish ritual bath;
• The cave of the Annunciation located in the basement of the Church;
• Fantastic mosaics illustrating Mary and Jesus.

The Church of Saint Joseph

• illustrations of the holy family (Marie, Jesus and Joseph);
• A Jewish ritual bath converted into baptistry;

The museum

• A collection of stylized capitals;
• sculptures and architectural elements dating from antiquity;

Note : access to the museum is paid.

3. Old Market and Old Town

If you want to have a glimpse of local life, go to the heart of the old city. Immerse yourself in the effervescence of the incontournable Souk of Nazareth. Lose yourself in the small streets, walk through the myriad of stalls and let yourself be guided by the smells of different spices and ground coffee.

Admire the pottery, fill your baskets of fruits and vegetables, taste local dishes and find the perfect souvenir among various items made in the region.

A place where to go absolutely if you want to visit Nazareth and make the full of authenticity!

4. The path of Jesus

Perfect for nature lovers, the path of Jesus is a way for tourists to visit Nazareth and its region otherwise.

But it is also a pleasant journey for pilgrims wishing to follow the steps of Jesus through Galilee. extending over close to 64 kilometres , this hiking tour takes you to discover beautiful landscapes and different sites having — depending on the Gospels - marked the life of the Messiah.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of the exceptional places you will encounter on the way:

Sepphoris

Ancient city located north of Nazareth, Sepphoris was — during the biblical times — one of the most impressive cities in Galilee. It would have been, according to some texts, the city of origin of Mary’s parents.

Today it is the subject of numerous archaeological excavations. In particular, you can discover the remains of a Roman theatre.

Kafr Cana

Also known as "Cana de Galilée", Kafr Cana is, according to the Christian tradition, the place where Jesus would have transformed water into wine at a wedding ceremony.

Today, some visitors even choose to renew their vows in their Franciscan church of marriages or in the Greek Orthodox church.

Mont Arbel

This mountain of Lower Galilee was certified as a natural reserve in 1967. By walking through its paths, you will fall on the ruins of an ancient synagogue or on a cave fortress.

To enjoy a spectacular view of Galilee and the Golan Heights, climb up to its view on the top.

The Sea of Galilee

Also called "Tiberias Lake" or "Génézareth Lake", Sea of Galilee is a freshwater area of 160 km2 between the Golan Heights and Galilee. It would, according to the biblical texts, be the place where Jesus would have walked on the water.

Don’t miss a stop there to admire the breathtaking views it has to offer.

Tabgha

Located on the northwest shore of Lake Tiberias, Tabgha is the site where, according to the New Testament, Christ appeared to his disciples after his resurrection. During your visit, you can find the statue of Jesus there and visit the church of the Multiplication.

Capharnaüm

Capharnaüm is a former fishermen's village where Jesus had spent many times. Today the city houses many traces of the past such as the remains of a synagogue of the Byzantine era and the church of the Seven Apostles built in 193.

You can also visit a Catholic church built above the house of Saint Peter.

Mont des Béatitudes

Nestled between the villages of Capharnaüm and Génézareth, the Mont des Béatitudes would be the place where Jesus pronounced his "Sermon on the Mountain". In the escaladant you will discover the sublime church of the Beatitudes built by the architect Antonio Barluzzi in 1938. Pope John Paul II celebrated a mass in March 2000.

Note : It is possible to camp along the way.

5. Le Mont du Précipice

Also known as "Mont des Précipitations", the Mont du Précipice is the site where an angry crowd would have tried to throw Jesus and where the latter would have disappeared miraculously.

Nowadays, it is a place very appreciated by the locals who come to stroll or picnic while enjoying the incredible view of the Jezreel Valley and Mount Thabor. Whether for its breathtaking landscapes, its historical aspect or its religious character, it is a must-see place to visit at your stopover in Nazareth.

6. The Zippori National Park

If you are looking for a visit to Nazareth, Zippori National Park - located 4 kilometres only from the city — will certainly delight you. Go in the footsteps of the ancient city of Tzipori — the ancient capital of Galilee — by sweeping between nature and vestiges discovered during archaeological excavations.

De sumptuous mosaics, a Roman theatre, a former water system, a Jewish residential area, ritual baths and much more promise to make you spectacularly go back to time.

7. Mount Thabor (and the Basilica of the Transfiguration)

Located in the heart of Galilee, the Mont Thabor is a small hill rising — from the top of its 588 meters — above the Jezréel plain. Marking spirits more by its sacred character than by its altitude, it is also considered to be the place where the glory of God would have manifested itself during the Transfiguration.

Used sometimes for religious purposes, sometimes for strategic purposes, he has been able to preserve — over the centuries — his unique aura that you can imitate once on site.

Walk in a green nature between oaks and other wild plants and climb to the top of which you can admire a magnificent view. By taking a small path lined with stone walls and olive trees, you will arrive at the famous Basilica of the Transfiguration.

How do I go to Nazareth?

By plane

To come to Israel from abroad, the best way remains the plane. To find a flight at the best price, think of using a flight comparison such as Skyscanner .

Nazareth having no airport, you will arrive at Tel Aviv Airport: Ben Gurion Airport.

From the airport

By bus

To visit Nazareth by bus, you will have to go first to the center of Tel Aviv. As the airport is not directly connected to the city by a bus or shuttle system, the easiest thing is to borrow a taxi. Plan 30 minutes Road.

Once in Tel Aviv, from the central bus station, you can take the bus 823 or 826 to go to Nazareth. Count about 2 hours travel.

Note : buses do not circulate during the Sabbath and Jewish holidays.

Where to stay in Nazareth?

If you're looking for a visit to Nazareth, you may also need to search where to stay. Whether you are looking for the comfort of a hotel or the most authentic side of some Airbnb , you can find your happiness on site and especially in the heart of Old town . If your choice is about a hotel business, feel free to use a hotel Compare hotels to guarantee you a stay at the best price.

You now know that when you arrive in Nazareth!