The Catholic Church of Annunciation, also known as the Basilica of the Annunciation, is the most impressive and spectacular site in the city ion considered as one of the most holy churches for Christianity. The church, an outstanding building in the center of town, is built where it’s believed was the house of Joseph and Virgin Mary, parents of Jesus.
A view of the Church of the Annunciation from the back side is shown in the following photo. It is made of 2 levels, and the door is the entrance to the upper level.
The Catholic Church of Annunciation is one of the biggest, most magnificent one in the Middle East today. It was designed by the Italian architect Giovanni Muzio, built by Solel Boneh and established in 1969. The church has two stories which provide enough space for a large amount of worshipers as well as preservation of the holy cave and remains of the previous churches. The church is a powerful, monumental building inducing a sense of eternity.
The sad part of the story is even after 2000 years some of the people in this town believe that Jesus is only a carpenter born to a carpenter (Mark 6)
The Upper Church serves as the local Roman Catholic parish church. Natural light illuminates the church from the stunning high (170 feet) cupola.
The lower Church is centered around the grotto which, according to the tradition, was the home of Mary and the site of the Annunciation. The remnants of churches from the Crusader and Byzantine eras are seen around the grotto
On the Altar - the words " Verbum Caro Hic Factum Est" ("Here [hic] the word was made flesh"). This text is from John 1 14: "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth".
The Main door depicting major events
Recently archeaoligsts have discovered this Byzantine mosaic believed to be 1,700 years old buried some two meters beneath the courtyard of Nazareth’s Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation.
Based on the data we collected in December 2012 and January 2015 using the geophysical techniques ground-penetrating radar and electro-resistivity tomography, we determined that ‘something’ was buried beneath the courtyard behind the current incarnation of the church,” said Duquesne University’s Philip Reeder.
In the coming month, once data from the excavation has been digested and interpreted, the scientists will make additional announcements about the finds.The church plans to install glass panes to allow visitors to see the mosaics below.
For those who love History:-These are the highlights along the timeline, with the Church being built for 5 times in the same site:
Mid 4th C AD
Early church; probably an altar in the grotto believed to be Mary's house
340AD-470AD
Church of the Annunciation was commissioned Emperor Constantine, directed by his Mother, St. Helena, but probably was completed only in 470AD. It may have been founded by Deacon Canon of Jerusalem, as inscribed on a mosaic.
638AD
Arab invasion; destruction of the Church
1109AD
Crusaders arrive to the Holy Land; build a new magnificent Church; stay in Nazareth until 1187
1187AD
After Horns of Hittim battle, the Arabs butchered the priests
1229-1263AD
Crusaders return for brief time; Church destroyed by Mamluks (Azzahir Baibars)
1620AD
Franciscans purchase the ruins; return to occupy the Church (3rd time)
1730
Church rebuild (4th time) and enlarged in 1877
1955-1969
Church demolished and rebuilt (the current church - the 5th Church), designed by Giovanni Muzio
We also visited the Church of St.Joseph
Chapel of the carpenter shop
Another vit'rage shows Jesus, Virgin Mary and St. Joseph.
I love this gentleman who owns a souvenir shop nearby .The Prices are very reasonable and he has got some lovely collection.
Recently archeaoligsts have discovered this Byzantine mosaic believed to be 1,700 years old buried some two meters beneath the courtyard of Nazareth’s Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation.
Based on the data we collected in December 2012 and January 2015 using the geophysical techniques ground-penetrating radar and electro-resistivity tomography, we determined that ‘something’ was buried beneath the courtyard behind the current incarnation of the church,” said Duquesne University’s Philip Reeder.
In the coming month, once data from the excavation has been digested and interpreted, the scientists will make additional announcements about the finds.The church plans to install glass panes to allow visitors to see the mosaics below.
For those who love History:-These are the highlights along the timeline, with the Church being built for 5 times in the same site:
Mid 4th C AD
Early church; probably an altar in the grotto believed to be Mary's house
340AD-470AD
Church of the Annunciation was commissioned Emperor Constantine, directed by his Mother, St. Helena, but probably was completed only in 470AD. It may have been founded by Deacon Canon of Jerusalem, as inscribed on a mosaic.
638AD
Arab invasion; destruction of the Church
1109AD
Crusaders arrive to the Holy Land; build a new magnificent Church; stay in Nazareth until 1187
1187AD
After Horns of Hittim battle, the Arabs butchered the priests
1229-1263AD
Crusaders return for brief time; Church destroyed by Mamluks (Azzahir Baibars)
1620AD
Franciscans purchase the ruins; return to occupy the Church (3rd time)
1730
Church rebuild (4th time) and enlarged in 1877
1955-1969
Church demolished and rebuilt (the current church - the 5th Church), designed by Giovanni Muzio
The St. Joseph church is located, according to early traditions, over the carpenter workshop of the Holy family. Later tradition identify this place as the house of Joseph and the Holy family.
Chapel of the carpenter shop
A painting of Virgin Mary, St. Joseph and the young Jesus in the carpenter's workshop. Early traditions identified the site of the church as the place of the carpenter workshop of the Holy family.
Another vit'rage shows Jesus, Virgin Mary and St. Joseph.
I love this gentleman who owns a souvenir shop nearby .The Prices are very reasonable and he has got some lovely collection.
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