The Basilica of the Annunciation, located in Nazareth, Israel, is the main Catholic place of worship in the city and a must-see destination for pilgrims visiting the Holy Land. According to Christian tradition, the basilica stands on the site where the archangel Gabriel announced to Mary the coming of Jesus. Its history dates back to the first century, with the descendants of Mary’s family constructing a sacred building on the site. The present basilica, built in the 20th century to the design of Italian architect Giovanni Muzio, houses a rich collection of frescoes that tell the story of the Annunciation and the life of Mary.
The basilica complex includes both a lower and an upper church, with the former giving access to the grotta dell’Annunciazione, where the sacred event is believed to have occurred. Archaeological finds made during the construction of the modern basilica revealed the remains of two earlier churches, one Byzantine and one from the time of the Crusades, as well as ruins of the original Judeo-Christian building. The dedication of the new basilica in 1969 marked a milestone in its history, with the ceremony presided over by French Cardinal Gabriel-Marie Garrone. With its modern architecture and rich religious history, the Basilica of the Annunciation remains a symbol of faith and devotion for millions of people around the world.
Photo credit: Inma Álvarez
- Address
Al-Bishara St 12, Nazareth, Israel - Web
https://custodia.org/en/sanctuaries/nazareth - Visiting Hours
Everyday from 8:00 to 16:45 - What to see
Grotto of the Annunciation, Mary’s house
