Nazareth in Jezreel, Northern District, Israel — West Asia (the Levant in the Middle East)
Basilica of the Annunciation
Photographed by Richard E. Miller, May 24, 2011
1. Basilica of the Annunciation Marker
“And the Word became flesh”
Historians tell that the Grotto and its surroundings, being the site of the Annunciation were turned into a worship place in the 1st and 2nd Century.
-Early sources referred to the place as being “The House of the Virgin Mary” What supports this claim are the numerous inscriptions on the walls, mentioning Mary, which were left by pilgrims and visitors in early Christianity.
-In 427 AD, the first Byzantine church was built on the site.
-In the 12th Century, a Crusade church was built over the ruins of the Byzantine church.
-The current Basilica, consecrated in 1969, is built over the Grotto and the ruins of four earlier churches.
Erected by Israel Ministry of Tourism, Israel Government Tourist Corporation, and Nazareth Municipality.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1969.
Location. 32° 42.133′ N, 35° 17.867′ E. Marker is in Nazareth, Northern District, in Jezreel. It can be reached from Paulus Ha Shishi 0.3 kilometers north of Iksal. Touch for map. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in Asia, specifically in West Asia, in the Middle East, in The Levant, on the Red Sea, in a coastal Mediterranean country, and in the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Byzantine Empire, the Ottoman Empire, a British Mandate, and the Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 14 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Ancient Village of Nazareth (a few steps from this marker); Byzantine Mosaics (a few steps from this marker); Architectural Elements of the Church-Synagogue (a few steps from this marker); The Church of St. Joseph (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line);
this page online
Also see . . . Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation - Nazareth. (Submitted on July 7, 2011, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
Photographed by Richard E. Miller, May 24, 2011
2. Basilica of the Annunciation Markers: Hebrew, English and Arabic
Photographed by Richard E. Miller, May 24, 2011
3. Basilica of the Annunciation, west facade
Photographed by Richard E. Miller, May 24, 2011
4. Altar inside the upper Basilica
Photographed by Richard E. Miller, May 24, 2011
5. Interior view of the Basilica's cupola
Photographed by Richard E. Miller, May 24, 2011
6. Japanese and Mexican (the Virgin of Guadalupe) among the many
representations of the Madonna and the Christ child in the Basilica.
Photographed by Richard E. Miller, May 24, 2011
7. Basilica of the Annunciation - view from the north
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, March 7, 2013
8. Basilica of the Annunciation
Altar area inside the lower Basilica, with grotto in the background.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, March 7, 2013
9. Basilica of the Annunciation
Grotto area in the lower Basilica.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, March 7, 2013
10. Basilica of the Annunciation
View of the altar in the grotto of the lower area of the Basilica.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, March 7, 2013
11. Basilica of the Annunciation
A panoramic view of the upper Basilica area (click on the picture to enlarge the view).
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, March 7, 2013
12. Basilica of the Annunciation
Panoramic view of the many representations of the Madonna and the Christ child in the Basilica (click on the picture to enlarge the view).
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, March 6, 2013
13. Basilica of the Annunciation
View of the archaeological excavations of the 1st century C.E. village of Nazareth, that is displayed beneath the street level portion of the Basilica.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, March 6, 2013
14. Basilica of the Annunciation
Close-up view of the archaeological excavations of the 1st century C.E. village of Nazareth, that is displayed beneath the street level portion of the Basilica.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 27, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 7, 2011, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,153 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on July 7, 2011, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14. submitted on April 15, 2013, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
