Nazareth
the most amazing tours in Nazareth
We traveled all around Nazareth and created the perfect tours for you.
Nazareth is the capital and largest city of Northern Israel. It is also considered the Arab capital of Israel simply because of the large concentration of Arab residents in the area. The city is also a sacred place for Christians the world over because Nazareth is where, according to the New Testament, the Virgin Mary was visited by the Angel Gabriel.
It is literally dotted with sites of religious significance as well as well-preserved architecture from the days that Nazareth was captured and retaken.
Planning your Trip to Nazareth
What are the things that you need to know when you visit Nazareth? Things like transportation, a list of popular attractions and dining options are essential if you want your trip to be hassle free. Here are just a few suggestions that may help you with your trip.
How to Get There
The first consideration is that Nazareth does not have it’s own airport.
By Plane
For international visitors, this means that you have to get off at the nearest airport, Ben Gurion International in Tel Aviv. From there, you may take the Egged bus directly to the center of Nazareth.
By Land
You also have the option of driving a car directly from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. In Jerusalem, they also have buses that connect directly to the central city of Nazareth.
By Ship
Another option in getting to Nazareth is by coming in from a Mediterranean cruise ship, with Israel as one of its port stops. Several other shipping lines also offer travel itineraries from Europe to Haifa Port.
Upon reaching the city, buses are still available to take you around town. However, it is preferable to walk as there are just so many sights to see. Driving is also another option but only if you’re really well-versed in the layout of the city as well as knowledgeable on which streets to take to get at a particular location.
The main attractions in the city of Jerusalem involve the religious monuments that are the epitome of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Most of these can be found in the Old City which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. West Jerusalem or the New City is the more modern district considered the center of commercialism and economy in the City and which has been the focus of improvement and development following the reunification of the city in 1967.
Religious and Historical Landmarks
Because of the importance of Nazareth to both Christians and Arabs, there are many religious sites like Churches and Mosques around the area.
Church of the Annunciation – was built on the site of the Virgin Mary’s original home in Nazareth. Many Christians went on a pilgrimage to this site believing that it is where the Angel Gabriel spoke with Mary and told her that she will bear the Son of God. It is considered the largest Church in the Middle East.
Church of Saint Joseph is built on the site of what Christians believed to be St. Joseph’s carpentry workshop. It is situated right next to the Basilica of the Annunciation, and like the Basilica, is built on top of the ruins of another Church.
St. Gabriel’s Church – according to the Greek Orthodox Church, the site where they built St. Gabriel’s Church is the site where Gabriel announced the future birth of Christ to the Virgin Mary. According to their gospel, the well from which Mary drew her water from stands on the very grotto within St. Gabriel’s Church. However, a more modern version of the well can be seen near the Church of the Annunciation.
Synagogue Church – Quite near St. Joseph’s Church, the Synagogue Church that belongs to the Melkite Greek Catholic Church is located on the traditional site of the synagogue where Jesus used to preach.
Mensa Christi Church – belonging to the Franciscan religious order possesses a large limestone block that is believed to be Christ’s table (hence the name Mensa Christi) on which he dined with his apostles. You can find the Mensa Christi Church (with its restored frescoes and art work) near the Synagogue Church.
White Mosque – is the oldest mosque in Nazareth whose architecture is distinctly Ottoman with its pencil-shaped minaret, cream walls, green trim and dome. It also has a museum that documents Nazareth’s history.
Salesian Monastery – is situated on top of a hill overlooking the city. There, you’ll also find the Basilica of the Young Jesus which was built in 1918.
Greek Orthodox Bishop’s house – on Bishop’s Square was built in 1860 and contains a small church that was completed in 1863. It also has a series of underground passages discovered in the courtyard that you can walk through.
Other Attractions in Nazareth
If you’ve run out of religious things to see, you might want to visit a recreation of a Nazareth village in the early years. This is like a live museum where you’ll be immersed in the life and activity of the people in Nazareth during those times.
What you should see in Nazareth
The Old City
A nice place to walk about
Ancient Turkish baths
Its network of beautifully preserved ancient stone arches
The Old City Mansions
One part of the Old City that you can’t miss
Saraya or the Government House
It was built in the 18th century during the Ottoman period
Arts and Culture
Visiting Jerusalem is not just for the spiritual upliftment of its visitors, it also gives them a chance to learn more about its art and culture through its museums and theaters.
The Old City is also a nice place to walk about. You won’t be able to appreciate what Nazareth has to offer until you take a tour of the Old City with its winding streets and Middle Eastern architecture. The local market also adds an interesting flavor to your trip because of its popular shops and merchandise. If you want to take home souvenirs that are truly Middle Eastern like fabrics, spices and artworks, this is where you’re likely to get them.
During the renovation of one of the city’s stores (a souvenir shop named Cactus), the ruins of Ancient Turkish baths were discovered underneath their shop. The foundations of a Turkish bath, its network of beautifully preserved ancient stone arches, a furnace and a white marble floor that’s distinctly Roman in design can clearly be seen.
The Old City Mansions is one part of the Old City that you can’t miss. These are a group of 100 impressive stately homes from the Ottoman period. These mansions are a perfect complement to the significance of the Churches in Nazareth as they also imbibe a sense of tranquility and grandeur amidst the bustling activity.
The Saraya or the Government House is an interesting landmark. It was built in the 18th century during the Ottoman period by Daher el Omar, the governor of the Galilee region. It served as his summer home. Plans are underway to convert it into a museum.
The Mascobia is a Russian hospice for pilgrims situated near St. Gabriel’s Church. The hostel was built in 1904 by the Russian Duke Sergio and is an interesting building of Russian architecture that stands out amid all the Middle Eastern architecture in the city.
Folklore House or Beit al-Sebat used to be the home of Tanous Qa’war, Nazareth’s first Mayor. His home has now been converted into a museum showcasing life in the Galillee region from the last century.
Mount Precipice, also known as the Mount of the Leap of the Lord is located 2 kilometers outside the city and is considered the city’s highest point. This is where, according to legend, the people of Nazareth took Jesus to be thrown off the cliff. In order to make the most of the majestic view of the land, a viewing platform has been installed. You’ll also find on this site the Cave of the Leap, which is one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the world. The cave, dating back 50,000 years contain the remains of 13 human skeletons and over 15,000 artifacts from the Stone Age.
The little town of Zippori, the hometown of the Virgin Mary’s parents Anna and Joaquim, lies 6 kilometers northwest of Nazareth. You’ll find the ruins of a Crusader castle, foundations of a Byzantine Church and an excavated Roman Theater. Several mosaic flooring from St. Anne’s Church can also be seen.
Dining Pleasures
After all that walking and sightseeing, it is time to kick your feet, rest and savor the atmosphere of Nazareth. Your trip will not be complete if you don’t take time to enjoy the many gastronomic delights that Nazareth and its restaurants have to offer. Feast your palates on Middle Eastern cuisine that are available from homey and cozy cafes to the upscale, classy and trendy sit-down restaurants.
The meats at Diana are the highlight and some of the flagship dishes are actually meat dishes, with excellent flavors and aromas of a charcoal grill (rare in our regions). Try, for example, a fresh circle of shawarma, ground lamb kebabs, fine lamb ribs and also lamb saddle skewers, for which alone you should make a reservation. The meats are served alongside a rich selection of salads and appetizers such as Abu Duhol’s special hummus.
Tishrin is located in the center of Nazareth, near the Church of the Annunciation and the Old City. The place was built in 1868 and was used as a residence, which gives it a warm and homely atmosphere influenced by the unique design and the pleasant music played in the background.
The modern and surprising menu, the special design and location of the restaurant make it perfect for events. The place is ready to host private and business events of up to 50 people. The restaurant staff will be happy to accompany you from the moment of the initial contact, through the planning and production of the event to its perfect end.