Magdala, Israel
City:
Magdala
State, Province, Region, or District:
Northern District, Galilee Region
Country:
Israel
Overview
Magdala (aka Migdal and Magadan) is located on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee. It was the largest city around the Sea of Galilee, so Jesus would have preached here regularly (Matthew 4:23, 15:38-39). It has one of the most well-preserved synagogues in Israel. Magdala was the hometown of Mary Magdalene, from whom Christ cast out seven demons (Luke 8:1-3).
Alternate Names
Magdala; Migdal; Magadan; Mejdel; Majdal; el-Majdal; Taricheae
Geography & Location
Magdala, also known as Migdal and Magadan, is located on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee.
Biblical, Historical, & Archaeological Background Information
Beginning in the 1960s, Franciscan archaeologists discovered Magdala’s ancient port and a city grid, with paved streets, water canals, a marketplace, villas and mosaics — one depicting a sailing boat.
Architecture
Magdala (Migdal), Israel, features well-preserved 1st-century CE Jewish urban architecture from the late Second Temple period, with later Byzantine and Crusader overlays. Below is a concise overview of the architectural features, distinct from movable artifacts, organized by functional zone and supported by excavation reports (IAA, Magdala Center, Hadashot Arkheologiyot).
Biblical & Historical References
Biblical
Spiritual Lessons and Application
Lessons from the Transformation of Mary Magdalene
Etymology
Migdal – means “tower” in Hebrew.
Site Visit
General Views:
Places of Interest
Synagogue