- Address: The Church of the Archangel Gabriel, Kikar Hamahayan, Nazareth;
- Phone: 972-46-567349; 972-46-572133;
- Visit time: Mon. - Sat. - 08:30 - 11:45 and 14:00 - 18:00, Sun. : 08:00 - 15:00;
- Entrance: free of charge.
One of the main shrines of Israel is the Greek Orthodox Church of the holy Archangel Gabriel, who is in the city of Nazareth . It is also known as the Church of the Annunciation, a name given because of the construction site, since the temple is located above the source where the archangel Gabriel predicted the birth of Jesus to the Virgin Mary.
The Church of the Holy Archangel Gabriel and its features
The church is recognized as one of the most beautiful and unique not only by Christians around the world, but also the most revered Arab Orthodox community in Nazareth. Construction work began in the 7th century AD, but was abandoned until 1741. It took another 30 years to build the church.
During the visit to the temple, pilgrims and tourists are presented with gates and thrones, icons, many of which were painted by Russian artists. Inside the church there is an atmosphere of piety, tranquility and faith. The main reason for pilgrims and ordinary people to come here is a source that has been preserved since antiquity. Once the inhabitants of Nazareth took water from him, and about him there was a conversation between the young Mary and the archangel Gabriel.
For the parishioners prudently installed benches, and for women and children a separate place is allocated, according to the eastern traditions. Everyone can visit the source for free. You can collect a bottle of water, bathe or drink from it. You can go down to the well by the ancient staircase from the right side of the niche.
The church was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. The modern building is covered with Armenian tiles, Turkish tiles and marble. The walls of the above-ground part are decorated with frescoes of a Roman artist, and in the crypt right above the well hangs the Russian icon of the Virgin. Now the local Orthodox school is open at the church.
The priest, who took an active part in the restoration work, was buried in a tomb near the northern wall. The well of the Virgin Mary does not function today - it's just a historical symbol. Around this place, various excavations were conducted, during which it was proved that in ancient times the well was the only source of water.
Information for tourists
To get on the tour, you can come any day, except for Christian holidays. The summer regime is as follows: from 8:30 to 11:45, and after lunch from 14:00 to 17:00. On Sundays, the work of the guides lasts from 8 am to 3 pm. In the period from October to April, the work time is reduced by 1 hour. Such a simple place causes stronger feelings for pilgrims and ordinary tourists than huge cathedrals. Having reached the place, it is necessary to walk around the neighborhood, climb the stairs, because the church of the holy archangel Gabriel is distinguished by its unusual architecture.
How to get there?
The Church of the Holy Archangel Gabriel is in Nazareth , which can be reached from Highway 60 from Afula and No. 75, 79 from Haifa . At a distance of less than 1 km is the Basilica of the Annunciation, therefore, visiting shrines can be combined. Find a church is simple enough, because it is located on the main street of the city.