Sightseeing in Nazareth - what to see. Complete travel guide

Nazareth is considered a city in which Christ spent his childhood. This is a major center of pilgrimage, which attracts visitors primarily by its history and religious landmarks.

The Temple of the Annunciation built in 1969 is one of the most important religious places of interest. The lower level of the Temple is a grotto where once lived Virgin Mary. The interior simply strikes visitors by its elegance and refinement; here you will see ceramic bas-reliefs, fine mosaics, and beautiful frescoes. In close proximity to this church is located one more remarkable building - the church of the Archangel Gabriel. The building of this church took place in the 17th century. This religious facility is as good as the temple in terms of beauty and grandeur.

During the preparation for the celebration of the 2000th anniversary of Christianity, the historic region of Nazareth was modified heavily. First of all, it was turned into a pedestrian zone and all traffic was completely blocked. In addition to this was developed a new system of sightseeing and pilgrimage routes. While walking along beautiful streets of Nazareth, you can enjoy the panorama of the city and observe its main sights.

The "Nazareth Village" is one of the most ambitious projects of the region. The creators of the village tried to restore the look of the settlement 2,000 years ago in the borders of the modern city. For this purpose numerous buildings were constructed on the territory of the village. Clay and sandstone blocks were used as main building materials. On the territory of the village were also built several terraces, and were planted fruit trees and vineyards. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Besides the fact this city is famous for its rich religious and historical heritage, Nazareth is also well-known for its mineral springs and beautiful nature. Here you will find numerous lakes and ponds, forests and parks that are perfect for walking. Some tourists even prefer camping on the shore of one of the local lakes and dive into an atmosphere of tranquility and seclusion.

An important religious shrine for all Christians is Mount Tabor located in the immediate vicinity of Nazareth. The height of the mountain is 588 meters, it is remarkable for its regular round shape. According to the Gospel, the very Transfiguration of Jesus took place on the top of this very mountain. Once there was a small temple on the top, but it was destroyed in the Middle Ages. Subsequently, two monasteries were built on its site, which are open to all pilgrims even now.

In addition to Christian shrines, there are also Muslim sights in Nazareth, and the White Mosque is a great example. It is the oldest of the city's three functioning mosques, its construction lasted 30 years and was completed in 1815. The mosque features the classic Ottoman style, from the inside it is decorated with traditional elements and chic handmade carpets.

Not far from Nazareth is the unique historical site of Sepphoris where the ruins of the ancient city of the same name were discovered. The first mention of the city dates back to the 1st century AD. During the reign of Herod the Great, it was a large flourishing capital. After several strong earthquakes, the city fell into decay and was completely devastated by the Crusaders. Today, visitors to the archaeological site can see remaining fragments of the fortress wall, as well as the ruins of palaces once belonging to wealthy residents of the city.

An important Catholic sight is the Church of St. Joseph, the very first church on its site was built during the Byzantine Empire. In the 12th century it was destroyed by the Crusaders, and in the middle of the 18th century, a small chapel was built on the ruins of the ancient temple. Converted into a temple in 1914, today it is a vivid example of the Romanesque style. Many people visit this temple just to admire its century-old frescoes and see the beautifully colored stained-glass windows.

The miniature Mensa Christi Church is another important tourist attraction. It houses an important Christian shrine - a slab of granite. According to tradition, after the resurrection of Jesus, it served him as a dinner table. Several years ago, the reconstruction of the church was completed, during which its ancient frescoes were restored.