Nazareth

Nazareth is a city in the Northern District of Israel, in the Galilee region. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and a major site in Christian, Muslim, and Jewish traditions. It is traditionally identified as the childhood home of Jesus. The city sits about 25 kilometers west of the Sea of Galilee and 100 kilometers north of Tel Aviv. Its population is predominantly Arab, with Muslims and Christians, and Hebrew and Arabic are used in daily life.

Key landmarks include the Basilica of the Annunciation, a major Catholic church completed in 1969, built near what is believed to be the site of the Annunciation. Nearby is Mary’s Well, a medieval spring venerated in Christian tradition, and Nazareth Village, an open-air museum depicting 1st-century Nazareth. The Old Market district preserves Ottoman-era streets and local crafts. The city functions as a regional service and commercial hub, with health, education, and tourism sectors forming the core of its economy.

Historically, Nazareth has been under various powers including the Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and British empires before becoming part of the state of Israel in 1948. In the 20th century the city developed as a predominantly Arab city within Israel and has faced social and economic challenges, alongside growth in cultural institutions and tourism.

Other places named Nazareth exist, notably Nazareth, Pennsylvania, in the United States, and several smaller localities around the world. The origin of the name Nazareth is uncertain and has been the subject of various interpretations.