Life finally took me back to the Middle East this month. In Israel, we will be spending around 3 weeks in the country, our first stop after Afula was to to head to Nazareth.
Despite having a small geographical area of around 21,000 square kilometres and a population of 8 million, Israel’s profile worldwide is well known, this tiny country makes more news than most countries on the planet. For those figures I have included the West Bank and the Gaza strip by the way, which for the most part will be covered on here as Palestine, since I love “crossing world borders“.
Once you get to Nazareth, you will want to maximize your time there. There are kind of three parts of Nazareth: Nazareth New City (Nazareth), Nazareth Ilit and Nazareth Old City. Here, I’ve concentrated on the Old City, hence the exclusion of the Nazareth Village, which is also a recommended tourist spot. Above – the hills on the way into Nazareth.
Souvenirs in the markets of Nazareth, Israel
Getting to Nazareth is fairly easy since Israel’s extensive bus network is easy to understand. Buses to Nazareth run from Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Akko, Afula, Haifa and most cities and towns in Israel and they’re smooth and efficient and air conditioned.
My top 5 things to see and do in Nazareth, Israel:
1. Basilica of the Annunciation
Inside the grotto in the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth
The amazing Basilica of the Annunciation is not to be missed. It’s the main sight in Nazareth. It’s also (surprisingly) the largest church in the Middle East. On the way in, you will see mosaics all around the walls all from different countries where Catholicism is practiced such as Ireland, Paraguay and Vietnam.
Mosaics round the walls of the Basilica in Nazareth, Israel.
Inside the Basilica itself there is the grotto downstairs – the place Mary found out she was giving birth to Jesus. Then upstairs there is the main church. Outside the main building, and still in the grounds of the Basilica there is a museum, a shop and another impressive church St. Joseph’s Church.
Outside the main entrance to the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth.
Entrance is free and covering up your legs is essential for female visitors. There’s a gift shop outside which is open from 8 am to 6 pm, though the Grotto stays open until 9 pm for prayers.
2. The Jesus Trail
This 65 kilometre trail stretches all the way from Nazareth to Capernaum, and connects sites from the life of Jesus. It will take 3 – 4 days and there are a range of accommodations on the way. The path begins in Nazareth and we walked a bit of it (it starts in the Old City).
3. Mary’s Well
Mary’s Well has a significant amount of history associated with it including the fact that waters from here became known for their healing powers. There’s a gift shop and a Roman Bathouse beside it, plus a few great bars and restaurants on site as well.
4. The White Mosque
The White Mosque in the Old City of Nazareth, Israel.
What’s interesting about the Jesus Trail and the Old City of Nazareth is that it’s not all only for Christians and Jews. There’s a White Mosque in the Old City which sits very close to a Jewish Synagogue and close to a Greek Orthodox Church. It reminded me a bit of Paramaribo’s side by side Mosque and Synagogues.
5. The Old City
Part of the Jesus Trail, and incorporating 3 of the first 4 sights on this list, walking at leisure through the Old City of Nazareth is something you will enjoy. Aside from the Jesus Trail, do your own thing. There’s a few local coffee houses, a market, a museum, buildings which haven’t changed for years.
If you make it to the top parts of the Old City you’ll be rewarded with cracking views of Nazareth and nearby villages. Nazareth, sits high and pretty.
Outstanding views from Nazareth in Israel.
Markets in the Old City of Nazareth:
Jonny Blair is a self confessed traveling nomad who founded and blogs at Don’t Stop Living. He sees every day as an adventure. Since leaving behind his home town of Bangor in Northern Ireland ten years ago he has traveled to all seven continents, working his way through various jobs and funding it all with hard work and an appetite for travel. Don’t Stop Living, a lifestyle of travel’ contains over 1,000 stories and tips from his journeys round the globe. He wants to show others how easy it is to travel the world, give them some ideas and encourage them to do the same but most of all he aims to constantly live a lifestyle of travel. He is currently based in Hong Kong and on Twitter @jonnyblair.
