Visiting the Holy Land can bring clarity to your faith. You’ll have a greater appreciation for the time you’ve spent learning God’s Holy Word. You will be able to stand in the places you’ve read about your whole life and experience the spiritual connection that comes with visiting these holy places. However, we understand that some people have limited time when it comes to going on trips which means you might not visit as many places as you would like. Here is a list of some important catholic churches we recommend visiting when travelling to Israel.
Church of the Holy Sepulcher
The Church of the Holy Sepulcher is located in Old Jerusalem. This church is the traditional site believed to be where Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected. It was built over the ruins of a pagan temple until the conversion of Emperor Constantine in 312 AD when his devout mother, St. Helena, commissioned many churches to be built in Israel.
It has been a popular Christian Israel tour destination since the fourth century.
Church of the Nativity
This church is one of the oldest and most sacred Christian sites since the 4th century AD. It is located in the spot believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ for some 2000 years. This church also includes the Church of St. Catherine and the Grotto of the Nativity, which is a World Heritage Site designated by UNESCO.
Church of All Nations
The Church of All Nations (also known as the Basilica of the Agony) is located at the top of the Mount of Olives, adjacent to the Garden of Gethsemane. This church enshrines a section of bedrock which is said to be where Jesus prayed before his arrest. It received the name of “All Nations” since different nations contributed to this church’s construction between 1919 and 1924.
The Church of the Annunciation
Also known as the Basilica of the Annunciation, it is the largest Catholic church located in Nazareth. It was built in 1969 over the site where Christian tradition holds to be the Virgin Mary’s home and where the angel Gabriel appeared and announced she would conceive and bear the Son of God.
Church of the Beatitudes
The Church of the Beatitudes is Neo-Byzantine in style and was built in 1938 on a small hill overlooking the Sea of Galilee.
It is believed that Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount as well as uttered phrases such as “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” and “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they are the children of God.”
Church of the Transfiguration
It was built in 1924 located on Mount Tabor on top of earlier Byzantine and Crusader churches.
It has impressive mosaics and chapels dedicated to Moses and Elijah. It is believed to be the location where the Transfiguration of Christ took place. Israel has many unique historical religious sites that will help you better understand how Christianity has been a part of the Jewish homeland. Experience standing on the same land where Jesus was born, where he preached and healed the innocent, suffered, died, and rose again.
These are but only a few of the possible locations you can visit when planning a Holy Land trip. However, sometimes making an itinerary can be a challenge (especially if you are travelling to a place you haven’t visited before). At Coral Tours, we offer all kinds of tours available to you based on your travel desires. We are confident in providing a suitable tour that will take you and your church family to exciting places within the Holy Land that will be educational and fascinating.
We will make sure your visit to Israel will be one to remember. Contact us today!
