Synagogue Church (Nazareth, Israel)
City:
Nazareth
State, Province, Region, or District:
Northern District, Galilee Region
Country:
Israel
Overview
The Synagogue Church is a 12 century AD Church built by the Crusaders. According to tradition, the church was built above the original location of the Roman period Synagogue where Jesus first learned, prayed and later preached as a young man (Luke 4:15-30). The Synagogue Church is visited by just a fraction of those coming to see the Church of the Annunciation, perhaps because of its hidden location. The site is maintained by the Melkite Greek Catholics, who added an adjacent modern church which was completed in 1887.
Geography & Location
The Church is located in the middle of Nazareth old market (Road #6120), in the Churches district, adjacent to the Greek Catholic Church of the Annunciation. It is a few minutes walk from the Basilica of Annunciation through the steps of the market above the Basilica (Road #6152).
Biblical, Historical, & Archaeological Background Information
Timeline Highlights:
Biblical & Historical References
Luke tells the story of the incident in the Synagogue, when Jesus read the book of Isaiah and his interpretation made the Jews so angry implying he is the Messiah, and they threatened to throw Him from a cliff (Luke 4:15-30).
Places of Interest
Exterior / Interior: