The Old City

Nazareth’s Old City is most famous for its shuk (outdoor market) which attracts Israelis from across the country looking for traditional Arabic produce. This in itself is an experience, and a great contrast to the air-conditioned malls dotted around the country. For those interested in Christianity, the Old City and surrounds are filled with important Christian sites, including the Church of the Annunciation.

The Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation sits above the spring where Orthodox Christians believe the Annunciation took place. As the Virgin Mary went to draw water from the spring, the Archangel Gabriel appeared and informed her that she would conceive and give birth to a son who she would name Jesus. The current church dates back to 1750, when Daher al-Omar, the Bedouin ruler of the Galilee, gave the Greek Orthodox community permission to build it.

About 140 meters from the church is Mary’s Well, which was once fed by the spring and served as a local source of water for several centuries. The fountain was repaired in 1967 and again in 2000 but does not function today.