The Five Best Churches to Visit on a Christian Trip to Israel

Travel enthusiasts from all around the globe know that Israel is a holy land for all religions. It is the birthplace of the Savior as well as His childhood home. The country holds tremendous importance for Christians and hundreds of thousands of travelers flock there every year to be immersed in the atmosphere or even reconnect with their religious roots.

 

No wonder there are so many mesmerizing churches with great cultural and historical significance everywhere throughout Israel. These range from Roman Catholic churches to Greek Orthodox churches, including both modern structures and old edifices.

 

The architectural wonders can be explored throughout the year, although they are most visited during Easter and Christmas; welcoming travelers who wholeheartedly want to visit. If you choose to partake on any Christian trip to Israel, check out  some of the beautiful churches to visit below:

1. St. Gabriel’s Church 

St. Gabriel’s Church is situated in the centre of downtown Nazareth. This beautiful structure is perhaps best known as the Greek Orthodox Church of Annunciation and is visited by travelers of every faith. It is believed to be the destination where Gabriel gave the news to Mother Mary that she would give birth to Jesus.

2. Church of Mary Magdalene 

The Church of Mary Magdalene is a magnificent Russian Orthodox Church based on the Mount of Olives in East Jerusalem. This Church has been greatly inspired by the 16^th and 17^th century Russian architecture. In addition to this, several influential people of the pre-Soviet era are buried there.

3. Church of the Transfiguration 

Located on Mount Tabor, the Church of the Transfiguration is the Franciscan Church built on the Byzantine and Crusader Church. It is believed to be the place where the Transfiguration of Christ took place. The Church is beautifully-crafted with breathtaking mosaics and chapels dedicated to Elijah and Moses. Moreover, you can visit the cave that is believed to have been the dwelling of St. Melchizedek.

4. St. Peter’s Church 

St. Peter’s Church is an architectural wonder with gorgeous colored bricks, vaulted ceiling, stained glass windows and marble walls. It is situated in Old Jaffa close to the beach, and surrounded by palm trees.

It is actually the Franciscan Church, built in 1894 during the Ottoman Empire. This church is highly dedicated to Saint Peter’s emerging Tabitha from the dead in Jaffa.

5. Basilica of the Annunciation 

The Basilica of the Annunciation is the Catholic counterpart of the St. Gabriel’s Church. It was built in 1969 on the remains of the Churches built from the Byzantine and Crusader eras. The first shrine on this spot was built around the fourth century.

This church actually belongs to the Franciscans and is home to the cave where Mother Mary is said to have received the news of her pregnancy. This church is well-decorated with mosaics of Mary and Jesus. You can see its famous dome while visiting there.

Final Consideration –

Booking Christian trips to Israel via Holy Land Private Tours is your best choice to get the most out of your vacation.