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Nazareth and Galilee

 

Driving along the Mediterranean Coast and what was once part of the Via Marris Highway (Way of the Sea) heading towards the ancient city of Nazareth while crossing the Jezreel Valley. Soon we will be in the courtyard of the Church of Annunciation looking at colorful mosaics of the Madonna from all over the world. The church designed by Giovanni Muzio is the largest in all of the Middle East and invites one into the ancient grotto below. Looking up one senses an inverted white lily that trumpets the voice of the angel Gabriel. In back of the courtyard we will visit St Josephs Church.

 

Before leaving Nazareth we will drive to Mt Precipice. There the Jezreel Valley and all its fertility will be spread out below us. To the east Mount Tabor the site of the transfiguration and the biblical battle of the Prophetess Deborah can be seen.

 

To the north is the ancient town of Cana where traditionally the wedding miracle is commemorated. The road will begin its descent towards the Sea of Galilee passing the Horns of Hattin where the decisive battle took place between the Crusaders and the Muslim ruler Saladin. Here on the northwestern shore in the town of Capernaum is where Jesus made his home after leaving Nazareth. The Franciscans have done extensive excavations here revealing an ancient venerated octagonal structure believed to have been the house of St Peters mother-in-law and used as a Domus Ecclesia. Inside is also a monumental synagogue built from white limestone rock with exquisite carved lintels that upon entering throws us back to the early days of Jewish settlement in the Galilee.

 

Close by the shores are the Church of the Multiplication as well as the Church of the Beatitudes.  Kibbutz Ginosar has found an ancient wooden boat that at one time sailed in the Sea of Galilee. It is dated to the time of Jesus and thru painstaking preservation techniques is now displayed for all to see what a fisherman's boat then looked like. Perhaps Jesus' and his disciples sailed this very boat. At the southern end of the lake is the Baptismal site of Yardenit that is open to those wishing to enter the Jordan River.

 

All in all a memorable day that traces the footsteps of Jesus from his hometown in Nazareth down to the Sea of Galilee and his adopted home in Capernaum.

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