Towering over the skyline of Nazareth’s Old City, this ancient church is believed by many to stand on the site of the childhood home of the Virgin Mary.
The Basilica of the Annunciation is one of the holiest churches of the Christian faith. Join pilgrims in visiting the supposed place where the Archangel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would be the mother of the son of God. A church has stood on the grounds of the Basilica of the Annunciation since the 5thcentury. Prior to this, common belief is that it was the home of Mary and Joseph.
Today’s church, one of the largest basilicas in the Middle East, is a magnificent modernist-style structure consecrated in 1969. Its cupola, which is visible throughout the Old City, resembles an inverted lily. Above the monumental entrance is a Latin inscription that reveals Mary’s consent to the annunciation. Reliefs of the Four Evangelists decorate the portal and carvings on the main door depict events from Jesus’ life.
Spend time admiring a collection of colorful mosaics that adorn the walls of the upper church and its courtyard. The mosaics portray Mary and Jesus as seen by the Catholic communities of the countries that donated them. Natural light floods in via the cupola to illuminate the church. A huge fresco behind the main altar represents the Four Marks of the Church.
The dimly-lit lower church preserves a sunken cave-grotto, which is the traditional location of Mary’s house. On the cave’s altar is the phrase Here the Word was made flesh, written in Latin.Flanking the grotto are the relics of churches from the Byzantine and Crusader periods. More remnants from these periods are on display in the Franciscan Museum, accessible via the northern side of the church.
The Basilica of the Annunciation is open daily and admission is free. Signs mark a tourist route around the complex and guides in multiple languages are available at the visitor center. The attraction is an active place of worship so remember to dress in modest clothing. Items to cover knees and shoulders can be borrowed from the visitor center.
