Set on a quiet lane in Nazareth’s bustling souk district is a small cavernous church where followers of the Christian faith believe Jesus once studied.
Biblical history and mystery shrouds the Synagogue Church of Nazareth. Visit the place that according to Christian traditions is one of the sites in Nazareth where Jesus studied. Enjoy the peace and serenity of the Synagogue Church of Nazareth amid the city’s frantic market streets. Browse the religious artwork and attend a service.
Popular belief is that pilgrims reported visiting a church here as early as the late 12th century and the Crusader era. Prior to this there stood an ancient synagogue. The synagogue was the building in which Jesus Christ reputedly read a sermon to his disciples and proclaimed himself as the messiah, to the disbelief of some of Nazareth’s Jewish community.
Above the humble entrance to the church look for a sign that reads “The Synagogue.” Columns, capitals and a pediment add a touch of architectural decoration to the doorway. A plaque adjacent to here provides brief historical information in Arabic, English and Hebrew.
Step inside to discover a simple arched and cave-like stone room with a sunken floor. There are benches set against the walls of the room and an unassuming altar set on a platform. A painting behind the altar portrays Jesus preaching to his 12 disciples. Take a moment to imagine this sacred and historical moment from the Bible.
You’ll find the church located in among the streets of Nazareth Market. It’s just a 5-minute walk from the Basilica of the Annunciation and about 10 minutes on foot to the city’s main bus terminal. Be sure to dedicate some time to exploring the stalls of Nazareth Market. Shop for anything from embroidered garments, shoes and silverware to candy, coffee, herbs and spices.
The Synagogue Church of Nazareth is open to the public from Monday to Saturday. Accessible via the same gateway is the 19th-century Greek Catholic Church, dominated by a grandiose dome and tall bell towers. The interior is notable for its lavish chandeliers and paintings depicting the life of Jesus.
