The Holy Land - A Sacred Tour

The Basilica of the Annunciation

October 22nd, 2006

This huge building and dome dominates the skyline of Nazareth. It stands on the site where it is thought Mary’s home once stood and where Catholics believe she was visited by the Angel Gabriel and told she would bear the son of God. The actual building doesn’t stretch back quite as far - in fact it was only built in 1969! Considering its importance the site was quite slow to becoming a major pilgrimage site - the first shrine here was built over 400 years after Jesus’ birth. It’s the largest basilica in the whole of the Middle East, and built on two levels. The lower church was the home of Mary and contains the remains of numerous old Byzantine churches and a museum. The upper level is the modern local church and the vast interior is decorated with mosaics. The huge dome illuminates the church with natural light.

Entry Filed under: Nazareth, Sites, Churches