Holy Waters

The Church of the Annunciation in
Nazareth is a must for visitors.

Capernaum, where Jesus established his ministry, is also a popular visit. This is where St. Peter lived and Jesus lodged. It was here that Jesus said to Simon and Andrew: “Come follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” The ruins here include the remains of a synagogue that dominates the complex.

Other sites include Tabgha, where Jesus multiplied bread and fish, and Yardenit, which sits on the Jordan River and where many come to be baptized.

A full day should be spent in Nazareth, where Jesus spent his childhood. This city is wonderfully alive with Israel’s largest Arab population (two-thirds of Nazareth’s population is Arab). The old town has small, hidden alleyways, cobblestone streets and a lively population.

A highlight of Nazareth is the Church of the Annunciation. The largest church in the Middle East, it was consecrated in 1969. This is where the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and told her she would conceive and bear a son “and call his name Jesus.” The upstairs of the Church is quite interesting there are mosaics of Mary created by artists from around the world (including Japan, Spain, Mexico, the U.S. and more) depicting the Madonna and Child by the way that country views her.

The Greek Orthodox Church of St. Gabriel located a block away is built over the only natural hot spring in Nazareth. The hot spring is called Mary’s Well and it’s here that the Greek Orthodox believe the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary.

Other Attractions
Outside of religious sites, one of the more interesting towns worth visiting in the Galilee region is Safed (also spelled Tzfat), the center of Kabbalah, a mystical form of Judaism that dates back to ancient times and was popular in the 12th century. Small galleries, cobblestone streets and old synagogues line this small, pleasant town. This is a great place to buy local art and spend the afternoon in a cafe people-watching.

For wine enthusiasts a visit to the Golan Heights Winery is an excellent day trip. Israel is quickly becoming a major player in the wine scene, with this particular winery one of the top producers. Tour the facilities and enjoy tastings of some of their best sellers.

History buffs should visit Rosh Pina. It’s one of the first Jewish settlements in the Galilee region. Rosh Pina meaning “cornerstone” gets its name from Psalm 118:22: “The stone that the builders rejected has become their chief cornerstone.” This inspired Galilee’s first Zionist pioneers who came from Romania in search of their own homeland.

Hammat Gader is a must for spa lovers. One of the largest spas dating back to the Roman Empire, this spa is built around three hot springs high up the southern bank of the Yarmuk River. Popular with locals, the hot springs consist of an impressive array of various size baths, Jacuzzis and waterfalls. For an added treat, book a water massage for clients the massage literally takes place while guests are floating in the hot springs.

From Galilee, it is a short trip to the Dead Sea, where most hotels have spas boasting Dead Sea mud in their treatments. Found here is the Ein Gedi Spa, which offers access to the Dead Sea as well as a freshwater pool and warm indoor sulfur pools. Massage treatments can also be booked.

Spend the day here and make sure to apply some Dead Sea mud (free on the beach), it’s said to have wonderful rejuvenating effects.