The city of Nazareth draws its worldwide reputation as the hometown of Jesus of Nazareth. The important role of Nazareth as a pilgrimage and religious center has had a dramatic impact on the history of the city. The special role Nazareth has in the Christian world created special conditions and a unique atmosphere in which a very diverse, rich and complex community has evolved.

The unique history of the city of Nazareth and its location in the heart of the Galilee region makes it one of the most interesting spots in any visit fo the land of Israel.

If you have any question or inqiuiries about planning your Nazareth tour, please contact us using the form bellow, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Nazareth in Ancient Times

The city of Nazareth was a small and insignificant agricultural village in the time of Jesus. It had no trade routes, was of little economic importance and was never mentioned in the Old Testament or other ancient texts. Archaeological excavations indicate Nazareth was settled continuously from 900 – 600 BCE, with a break in settlement until 200 BCE, from which time it has been continuously inhabited. 

Nazareth, the Home of Mary and Joseph

During the lifetime of Mary, Joseph and Jesus, it is believed the population did not exceed 500.  Nazareth was a small Jewish village where people knew one another, and like Jesus, lived, prayed and studied in the Jewish tradition. They gathered in the synagogue, meeting for prayer and holidays. To this day, visitors can see the Synagogue Church, dating from the Crusader period, which was built to commemorate the spot where it is believed Jesus prayed and preached (see Nazareth sites and attractions). The New Testament mentions Nazareth many times, referring to it as the home of Mary and Joseph, the town that inspired Jesus during his childhood and early manhood, the place of the Annunciation and his clash with fellow citizens who disapproved of his non-conventional way of thinking.

Nazareth and Early Christianity

From the 1st to the 4th century AD, the small Christian presence in Nazareth was often persecuted for their beliefs. It was only later towards the 6th century when legends of Mary’s life began spreading, that the town of Nazareth became the Christian pilgrimage site it is to this day. During this time, the Byzantines built one of the first churches on what was believed to be the site of the Annunciation. With the arrival of the Crusaders in 1099, an era of growth began and they built a magnificent church in Roman style.  With the defeat of the Crusaders in 1291 by the Muslim army, and during Ottoman Rule (1517 – 1917) Nazareth fell into decline. It was only in 1720, when the Franciscans built a new church, that the site of the Annunciation was again revived. In 1955, the church was demolished to carry out extensive archaeological excavations and was finally rebuilt in 1969.

Nazareth Today

Nazareth Israel TodayModern day Nazareth is a bustling, growing city believed to be located very close to the origins of the ancient village. It is home to the largest Arab community in Israel and has a new quarter, Nazareth Illit, populated mainly by Jews. Amongst a fascinating array of churches of many denominations, a variety of cafes and restaurants has sprung up to make Nazareth a hot spot of tourism.  When you take our Nazareth Day Tour you can walk the cobble-stoned streets of the Old City, visit the famous spring believed to be that which fed Mary’s well, and see the remains of a cavern believed to be Joseph’s carpentry shop.   The life of Jesus of Nazareth will come alive as you witness the development of Nazareth through the ages, from an isolated village of little importance to the seat of one of Christianities most important sites.

Contact us today and book a Nazareth Day Tour, or reserve one of our expert Nazareth-Israel tour guides for an exceptional private tour of the city. Just fill in the details below and a Nazareth-Israel representative will get back to you shortly.