Nazareth
Nazareth is a city in Galilee, in northern Israel, and one of the most important Christian pilgrimage destinations—ranked third after Jerusalem and Bethlehem. According to the Gospels, it was here that the Annunciation took place and where Jesus Christ spent his childhood and youth—hence the name “Nazarene.”
Nazareth is home to the Grotto of the Annunciation, above which stands the Basilica of the Annunciation, the largest Catholic church in the Middle East. Another important site is the Church of the Archangel Gabriel, built over the spring traditionally associated with the Virgin Mary.
Not far from the city lies Mount Precipice, where, according to tradition, the people of Nazareth attempted to throw Jesus from the cliff after his sermon in the synagogue.
Sepphoris National Park (Tzipori)
Located about 6 km from Nazareth, this ancient fortified city is one of the finest archaeological parks in Israel and was once the historical capital of Galilee. Set on a picturesque hill rising over 300 meters, it offers impressive remains of a large Roman theatre, burial caves, and Crusader fortifications.
The park is especially famous for its mosaics, including the renowned “Mona Lisa of Galilee.” Visitors can also explore vast underground water systems from the 1st century CE, remarkable for their engineering sophistication and scale.
Safed (Tzfat)
Safed (also known as Tzfat) is one of the four holy cities in Judaism, alongside Jerusalem, Tiberias, and Hebron. It is located at an altitude of about 900 metres above sea level, on a mountaintop in Upper Galilee.
Today, Safed is home to numerous active synagogues and yeshivas. The city is especially famous for its Artists’ Quarter, filled with galleries and workshops showcasing the work of local artists. Within this quarter are also several historic synagogues of great significance in Jewish tradition.
In the 16th century, Safed became a major spiritual and economic centre for Jews, attracting pilgrims from Europe and North Africa. It was here that prominent mystics gathered, turning the city into a global centre of Kabbalah.
Safed is known for its unique architecture, shaped by centuries of settlement by communities from different countries. Its narrow streets run along the mountainside, creating a distinctive and атмосферную urban landscape.
The city hosts the annual Safed Klezmer Festival, the largest event of its kind in the world.
In the surrounding area are many burial sites of revered Jewish sages. One of the most famous is the tomb of Shimon bar Yochai (Rashbi) and his son. On the anniversary of his death—during the holiday of Lag BaOmer—hundreds of thousands of pilgrims gather at the site.
Tiberias
Tiberias is a city on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee (also known as Lake Kinneret) in Galilee. It is one of the four holy cities in Judaism, together with Jerusalem, Hebron, and Safed.
Every year, tens of thousands of visitors come to Tiberias to visit important Jewish holy sites, including the tombs of Maimonides (Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon), Yohanan ben Zakkai, and Rabbi Akiva.
Among the city’s historical landmarks are the ruins of a 6th-century synagogue and the remains of the ancient city of Hamat Tiberias (1st–4th centuries CE). The nearby Hamei Tiberias is a well-known spa resort, based on 17 hot mineral springs with temperatures reaching up to 63°C, combined with therapeutic mud treatments.
Sea of Galilee (Lake Kinneret)
Also known as the Sea of Galilee, Lake Tiberias, or Lake Gennesaret, this freshwater lake is one of the lowest places on Earth, lying about 213 metres below sea level. It is the lowest freshwater lake in the world.
The water level changes throughout the year depending on rainfall and consumption. The lake reaches a maximum depth of about 45 metres and covers an average area of 165 km². Several rivers flow into it from the north, including the Jordan River, which originates in the Golan Heights.
The shores of the Sea of Galilee are closely connected with the life of Jesus Christ and are therefore a major destination for Christian pilgrims. According to the Gospels, it was here that Jesus called his disciples, preached, performed many miracles, and later appeared to the apostles after the Resurrection.
Yardenit
Yardenit (a diminutive form of “Jordan”) is the site where the Jordan River flows out of the Sea of Galilee. It is a well-known baptismal site and visitor complex where Christian pilgrims can take part in baptism ceremonies and receive a certificate.
Built in 1981, the complex includes all necessary facilities: changing rooms, areas for immersion, a souvenir shop, a restaurant, and convenient parking. Special garments for baptism are available for purchase or rent. Each year, more than 400,000 pilgrims and tourists visit Yardenit. The site is managed by the nearby kibbutz Kvutzat Kinneret.
The waters here are rich in fish such as tilapia, carp, and catfish, which often gather near the shore. Tilapia is traditionally associated with Saint Peter and is commonly known as “St. Peter’s fish,” a popular dish served in local restaurants.
According to Christian tradition, the baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:13) actually took place further south along the Jordan River, near the site of Qasr al-Yahud, close to the Dead Sea.
Capernaum
Capernaum (Kfar Nahum, meaning “village of Nahum”) is an ancient town located on the north-western shore of the Sea of Galilee. It is frequently mentioned in the New Testament.
According to the Gospels, Jesus Christ preached in the synagogue of Capernaum and performed many miracles here. The town is described as his main place of residence after he left Nazareth.
Founded around 2,500 years ago, Capernaum lay on important trade routes connecting the Mediterranean coast with Syria and Asia Minor. In the time of Jesus, it was a fishing village and a customs station on the road from Caesarea to Damascus.
It was here that Jesus called several of his apostles, including Saint Peter, Andrew, the brothers James and John, and Levi (Matthew).
Near Capernaum stands the Church of the Twelve Apostles, a striking Greek Orthodox church with traditional domes set against the backdrop of the lake.
Chorazin National Park
Chorazin (Korazim) was an important Jewish town during the Second Temple period. It is located in Upper Galilee, about 3.5 km north of Capernaum. The city was destroyed before 339 CE and today appears as an archaeological site on a hill.
Most of the buildings here were constructed from black basalt, giving the ruins a distinctive appearance. Excavations have revealed the remains of a synagogue dating from the 3rd–4th centuries.
According to the Gospels, Jesus Christ visited Chorazin and performed miracles there, later rebuking its inhabitants for their lack of faith.
“Jesus Boat”
The so-called “Jesus Boat” is an ancient fishing vessel dating back around 2,000 years, discovered on the floor of the Sea of Galilee.
Measuring approximately 8.3 metres in length, 2.3 metres in width, and 1.3 metres in height, the boat was found buried in mud during a period of drought, when the water level receded. It was discovered by brothers Moshe and Yuval Lufan, fishermen from Kibbutz Ginosar.
Recognising its historical importance, archaeologists, together with volunteers and the Israel Antiquities Authority, carefully excavated and removed the boat in a complex 12-day operation before the water level rose again. It was then preserved in a special chemical process for seven years.
Today, the boat is displayed in the Yigal Allon Museum.
For historians, it represents the type of vessel used by fishermen in the 1st century. For Christians, it holds special significance as a boat similar to those used by Jesus and his disciples—many of whom were fishermen. Boats like this are mentioned numerous times in the Gospels and are closely associated with events that took place along the shores of the Sea of Galilee.
Belvoir Fortress (Kokhav HaYarden National Park)
Belvoir (French for “beautiful view”) is a Crusader fortress built by the Knights Hospitaller, known in Hebrew as Kokhav HaYarden (“Star of the Jordan”). It is located about 20 km south of the Sea of Galilee, on a high hill (around 500 metres above sea level) overlooking the Jordan Valley. From here, visitors can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
The fortress is notable for its symmetrical design: a rectangular outer wall reinforced with square towers encloses an inner square structure with corner towers and an additional tower on the western side. The vaulted inner passages provided strong protection against siege weapons.
Belvoir was built as a strategic stronghold to defend the eastern frontier of the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem. In 1182, it was the site of a battle between Baldwin IV of Jerusalem and Saladin.
In 1994, a park was established near the fortress, featuring works by Israeli sculptor Yigal Tumarkin.
Domus Galilaeae (Galilee House)
The Galilee House (Domus Galilaeae) is located on the Mount of Beatitudes, near Capernaum and the Sea of Galilee. It is managed by the Neocatechumenal Way.
The complex includes conference halls, prayer spaces, gardens, and a library. Its architecture, artwork, and spiritual atmosphere make it a unique and recommended destination for visitors to the region.
Construction was completed in a remarkably short time: the foundation stone was laid in January 1999, and the building opened in 2000. The project was led by Spanish artist and architect Kiko Argüello, one of the founders of the Neocatechumenal Way. An international team of architects, designers, and engineers from Italy, Spain, Israel, Argentina, and Colombia contributed to its creation.
The building is clad in a distinctive “serene rock” stone, specially brought from quarries near Florence, giving it a unique grey tone that blends harmoniously with the surrounding landscape.
Domus Galilaeae was inaugurated by Pope John Paul II during his visit to Israel in 2000. The library was added in 2005.
The centre serves as a place where Christians can connect with the living traditions of Israel, following in the footsteps of early believers and rediscovering the Jewish roots of Christian faith, including prayer, festivals, and liturgical traditions.
Magdala (Migdal)
Magdala (also known as Migdal) is an ancient Galilean town, traditionally identified as the birthplace of Mary Magdalene. It is located about 5 km north of Tiberias, on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee.
The name Magdala in Aramaic can mean “tower,” “great,” or “magnificent,” while the Hebrew migdal also means “tower.” The town is mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew as “the region of Magdala.”
Situated at the southern edge of the fertile Gennesaret Plain, near Capernaum, Magdala was an important settlement in ancient times. Archaeological excavations have uncovered remains of a synagogue dating to the time of Jesus Christ, as well as a marketplace (agora) and a 6th-century monastery with a church.
Later Christian pilgrims, including the monk Epiphanius, wrote about a church built on the site believed to be the home of Mary Magdalene. In the early 20th century, Archimandrite Leonid (Sentsov) acquired land along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, including a spring associated with Saint Mary Magdalene. In 1962, a small church dedicated to her was built there, later decorated with frescoes depicting Gospel scenes connected to the Sea of Galilee. The site also features a garden with grapefruit trees and natural springs, including a warm radon spring.
Magdala Center
The Magdala Center, an archaeological and spiritual complex, officially opened on 1 September 2015 on the site of ancient Magdala. This location on the north-western shore of the Sea of Galilee is widely believed to be the hometown of Mary Magdalene and a place where Jesus preached.
Excavations have revealed remains of a 1st-century BCE/CE settlement, including residential areas, shops, and a unique synagogue. The site also provides insight into the once-thriving fishing industry, which was the main occupation of the town’s inhabitants.
Today, the area functions as an open-air museum. Visitors can explore the excavated ruins, including one of the oldest synagogues in the Holy Land, dating to the 1st century CE. The synagogue features original mosaic flooring and plastered columns. One of its most remarkable discoveries is the famous “Magdala Stone,” carved with the image of the seven-branched Menorah—the oldest known depiction of the Temple menorah.
Alongside these carefully preserved remains of an ancient Jewish town stands a modern Christian spiritual centre, reflecting the unique coexistence of history and faith that characterises the Holy Land.
Mount Tabor
Mount Tabor is a distinctive, rounded mountain rising 588 metres above the Jezreel Valley. It stands alone in Lower Galilee, about 9 km south-east of Nazareth. Its name is thought to derive from a word meaning “navel” or “central elevation,” reflecting its unique dome-like shape, which rises smoothly from base to summit.
The summit forms an elongated, slightly concave plateau. Mount Tabor is first mentioned in the Bible as a boundary between the territories of the tribes of Zebulun, Issachar, and Naphtali (Joshua 19:22). From the time of Antiochus III the Great (3rd century BCE) until the Roman period, the mountain served as a fortified stronghold.
In 1799, during his campaign in the region, Napoleon Bonaparte won a battle near Mount Tabor against Ottoman forces, helping to secure his position during the siege of Acre (Akko).
Today, the landscape around Mount Tabor still preserves the appearance of the biblical scenery once seen by ancient caravans travelling along historic trade routes.
According to Christian tradition, Mount Tabor is the site of the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ. It is believed to be the place where Jesus revealed his divine nature to his disciples and instructed them not to speak of what they had witnessed.
At the beginning of the 20th century, two monasteries were built on the summit: a Greek Orthodox monastery, located on the site of a former Byzantine church, and a Catholic Franciscan monastery.
The Catholic monastery features the impressive Basilica of the Transfiguration, designed by architect Antonio Barluzzi and built over earlier Crusader and Byzantine remains. Nearby, traces of the Byzantine monastery are still visible.
The Orthodox monastery houses a revered icon of the Virgin Mary and preserves fragments of ancient structures and mosaics. On its grounds, visitors can also find the cave church of Melchizedek.
Both monasteries remain important pilgrimage sites, and the Catholic complex also offers simple accommodation for pilgrims.
Cana (Cana of Galilee)
Cana of Galilee is a well-known biblical village located in Galilee, on the road from Nazareth to Tiberias. It is traditionally identified as the site of the Wedding at Cana, where Jesus Christ performed his first miracle—turning water into wine (John 2:1).
According to the Gospel, Jesus initially remarked that “his hour had not yet come,” but at the request of his mother, Virgin Mary, he agreed to help the hosts. In both Orthodox and Catholic traditions, this event is seen as a powerful example of the intercessory role of the Virgin Mary.
The Catholic church built on this site is known as the Wedding Church (Church of the Wedding of the Lord). Many believe that marriages blessed here are especially strong and enduring, making it a popular destination for couples.
Nearby stands the Church of St. George, a Greek Orthodox church built with the support of the Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society of Russia. There is also a Greek Catholic church dedicated to Bartholomew the Apostle, who, according to tradition, was a native of Cana.
Cana is mentioned several times in the Gospel of John. Jesus later returned here and performed another miracle—healing a man’s son from a distance. It is also believed that Nathanael, one of Christ’s disciples, came from Cana; many scholars identify him with the Apostle Bartholomew.
Megiddo National Park (Armageddon)
Megiddo is an ancient mound (tell) located in the western part of the Jezreel Valley, near the modern settlement of the same name and about 10 km from Afula. It is best known for the name “Armageddon,” derived from the Hebrew Har Megiddo (“Mount of Megiddo”).
In antiquity, Megiddo was an important city-state situated at a strategic pass through the Mount Carmel range. Major trade and military routes passed through this location, making it a key point of control in the region.
Archaeological excavations have revealed 26 layers of settlement, indicating continuous habitation over thousands of years. Today, the site is protected as a national park and, since 2005, has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with Tel Hazor and Tel Beersheba.
The Jezreel Valley near Megiddo has been the site of many decisive battles throughout history. According to the Bible, Gideon defeated the Midianites here with only 300 men (Judges 7:19–22). King Saul and his son Jonathan were killed nearby on Mount Gilboa (1 Samuel 31).
In later history, the valley witnessed the defeat of Mongol forces in the 13th century, victories by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1799, and the decisive triumph of British General Edmund Allenby over the Ottoman army in 1918. Napoleon famously described this area as an ideal battlefield, capable of accommodating vast armies.
In Christian tradition, Armageddon is associated with the site of the final battle between good and evil at the end of times (Revelation 16:14–16), where the “kings of the earth” will gather. It is sometimes linked with the “mountains of Israel” mentioned in prophetic texts.
Visitors to Megiddo can explore extensive archaeological remains, including ancient fortifications, water systems, and structures traditionally associated with the stables of King Solomon. The site offers a fascinating journey through multiple layers of civilisation spanning millennia.
In 2013, an archaeological expedition led by Yotam Tepper discovered evidence nearby of the Roman Legio VI Ferrata (“Ironclad”), adding another chapter to the rich history of this remarkable place.
Beit She’an National Park (Scythopolis)
Beit She’an (known in the Greco-Roman period as Scythopolis) is a city located in the Jordan Valley, about 25 km south of the Sea of Galilee. Its Hebrew name is often interpreted as “house of rest.”
Today, Beit She’an is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Israel. The national park preserves the remains of the ancient city, which was once part of the Decapolis—a group of ten Hellenistic cities united under Roman rule by Pompey the Great.
The site features remarkably well-preserved ruins, including a large Roman theatre, bathhouses, and colonnaded streets such as the Cardo and Decumanus, once lined with shops decorated with mosaic floors.
Beit She’an is also mentioned in the Bible. Initially a Canaanite city, it was not conquered by the tribe of Manasseh due to the enemy’s iron chariots. Later, under Philistine control, it became the place where the body of King Saul was displayed after his death in battle on Mount Gilboa (1 Samuel 31). It was subsequently incorporated into the kingdom of King Solomon.
The historian Flavius Josephus described Scythopolis as the largest city of the Decapolis. In the 1st century CE, Vespasian used it as a base during military operations against Jewish rebels.
Today, visitors can walk through the ancient streets and experience the grandeur of a once-thriving city that vividly brings history to life.