Basilica of the Annunciation
Visit the Basilica of the Annunciation, the largest church in the Middle East, built over the traditional site where the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, with extraordinary international mosaic panels from around the world.
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Basilica Exterior
Approach the Basilica of the Annunciation, completed in 1969 and the largest Christian church in the Middle East, its modern facade decorated with mosaic panels donated by Catholic communities from over 50 countries.
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Cave of the Annunciation
Descend to the lower church where the Cave of the Annunciation is preserved, the traditional site where the Angel Gabriel told Mary she would bear the son of God, the holiest spot in Nazareth for Christians.
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International Mosaic Gallery
Walk through the upper church gallery displaying mosaic panels depicting the Virgin Mary from different countries, each in the artistic tradition of the donating nation, creating an extraordinary global art collection in one building.
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Church of St. Joseph
Visit the nearby Church of St. Joseph built over the traditional site of Joseph's carpentry workshop, where Jesus spent his childhood learning his father's trade in this ordinary working family of ancient Nazareth.
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Franciscan Quarter
Explore the Franciscan quarter around the Basilica where the Franciscan order has maintained a presence in Nazareth since the 13th century, their monasteries, schools, and churches forming a Latin Catholic enclave in the city.
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Terra Sancta Museum
Visit the Terra Sancta Museum in the Franciscan compound where archaeological finds from excavations beneath the Basilica reveal the ancient Jewish village of Nazareth as it existed in the time of Jesus.