Nazareth, Northern District, Israel — West Asia (the Levant in the Middle East)

Architectural Elements of the Church-Synagogue

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, April 4, 2019

1. Architectural Elements of the Church-Synagogue Marker

Inscription. The stones exhumed form the fill beneath the mosaic floors of the Byzantine building (IV-V century) can be classified: (1) bases, more or less preserved, often having traces of plaster; (2) imposts of a double-arch with a beautifully worked cornice; (3) capitals with a simple moulding; (4) cornices; door posts; ordinary stones with plaster and graffiti.

The architectural pieces first had an ornamented surface and then, later, were converted with white plaster. The ensemble of pieces manifest a style known from the synagogues of Galilee. The Christian character is given mostly by the graffiti (preserved in the Museum of the Basilica).

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Churches & Religion.

Location. 32° 42.143′ N, 35° 17.859′ E. Marker is in Nazareth, Northern District. Marker can be reached from Al-Bishara Street just north of Paulus ha-Shishi Street, on the right when traveling north. This marker is located on the grounds of the Basilica of the Annunciation. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Al-Bishara Street 12, Nazareth, Northern District, Israel. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 14 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Byzantine Mosaics (a few steps from this marker); The Ancient Village of Nazareth (a few steps from this marker);

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Basilica of the Annunciation (a few steps from this marker); The Church of St. Joseph (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Mount of Precipice (approx. 2.4 kilometers away); The Citadel (approx. 5.9 kilometers away); The Theater (approx. 5.9 kilometers away); Ancient Yodfat (approx. 14.6 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Nazareth.

More about this marker. This marker is situated along the backside (north side) of the basilica, and is attached to the railing along the outside steps, that come down from the back, elevated plaza, and allows visitors to see the archaeological ruins beneath the basilica's plaza. In fact, it is part of a modest display of an archaeological excavation, that is covered by the upper level outdoor plaza of the basilica.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, April 4, 2019

2. Architectural Elements of the Church-Synagogue Marker

Distant view of the marker in the foreground and behind it, in the background, can be seen some of the archaeological ruins of ancient Nazareth.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, April 4, 2019

3. Architectural Elements of the Church-Synagogue Marker

View of some of the archaeological ruins of ancient Nazareth that are discussed on the text of this marker, and that is located under the back plaza of the Basilica of the Annunciation.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, April 4, 2019

4. Architectural Elements of the Church-Synagogue Marker

Distant view of the marker, attached to the walkway rails. In the upper background is seen the elevated back patio of the Basilica of the Annunciation, with a view of the archaeological ruins that are underneath the platform of the back patio.

The Back Plaza of the Basilica of the Annunciation image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, March 7, 2013

5. The Back Plaza of the Basilica of the Annunciation

The display of the Architectural Elements, of the Church-Synagogue, archaeological excavation is located at the lower level of the church, directly beneath this plaza, on the upper level of the church.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 8, 2019, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 133 times since then and 5 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 8, 2019, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. 5. submitted on September 9, 2019, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.