Where We Be
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| The most important sight in Nazareth is the Basilica of the Annunciation where, according to the Bible, an angel told Mary, "Thou shalt bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus" |
| Nazareth, Israel |
We were surprised to discover Nazareth sits
atop a hill some 40 miles away from the Sea of
Galilee (we always thought it was closer). The
landscape is gently hilly, and from here you get
a good view of the surrounding countryside.
What was once a small village is now the largest
city in the North District of Israel and is known
as the Arab capital of Israel, so it's a bit hard to
get a feel for what the place would have looked
like back in Jesus' day, who grew up here
working in his father’s carpentry shop.
We enjoyed getting to see the Basilica of the
Annunciation -- an important site for Christians.
This is the place where, according to the Bible,
Mary was greeted by the angel Gabriel with the
news that she would bear the son of God. This
announcement (or Annunciation) has been
depicted thousands of times in artwork from
around the world. The Basilica preserves, in the
altar area, the actual cave in which Mary is said
to have been living at the time. Having a cave in
the altar area makes for a truly unique church.
atop a hill some 40 miles away from the Sea of
Galilee (we always thought it was closer). The
landscape is gently hilly, and from here you get
a good view of the surrounding countryside.
What was once a small village is now the largest
city in the North District of Israel and is known
as the Arab capital of Israel, so it's a bit hard to
get a feel for what the place would have looked
like back in Jesus' day, who grew up here
working in his father’s carpentry shop.
We enjoyed getting to see the Basilica of the
Annunciation -- an important site for Christians.
This is the place where, according to the Bible,
Mary was greeted by the angel Gabriel with the
news that she would bear the son of God. This
announcement (or Annunciation) has been
depicted thousands of times in artwork from
around the world. The Basilica preserves, in the
altar area, the actual cave in which Mary is said
to have been living at the time. Having a cave in
the altar area makes for a truly unique church.
| The church is of recent construction but leaves in place the remains of four earlier churches built on the same spot |
| This mosaic is from the Vatican and depicts the Annunciation as well as Jesus healing the sick |
| The main doors depict important events from the Old Testament and New Testament |
| The church is built right over the Grotto of the Annunciation. The bottom floor of the church is intentionally simple, focused on the cave itself. |
| Having a cave dwelling in the altar area makes for a truly unique church. Mary is said to have lived here when she was visited by the angel. |
| The second floor of the church is more ornate, suggestive of the glory that can come from simple beginnings |
| Stained glass and dramatic paintings depict a triumphant Jesus |
| A nice touch are the mosaics of Mary and baby Jesus from around the world. Each mosaic bears characteristics of the contributing nation. For instance, the one from Japan (right) depicts them in kimonos with oriental features. The one at left is from the U.S., and the middle one is from Hungary. |
| The statue at left is from India, the mosaic in the middle from Brazil, and the statue at right from China |
| Our guide Sharif explains how the new church was built over the remains of an earlier 12th century Crusader church |
| We also paid a visit to the attached St. Joseph Church, which according to tradition is located where Joseph's carpentry shop stood |
| Underneath the Basilica are more caves, granaries, and wells that are said to have housed the villagers of ancient Nazareth |
