40 Must-See Holy Sites in Israel and the West Bank

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A complete guide to popular holy sites in Israel and the West Bank.
Traveling to Israel and the West Bank, but not visiting religious places of Judaism, Islam, and Christianity means not trying to understand the cultures and beliefs of people inhabiting this area and far. 
Religious, spiritual, or simply curious about other cultures and respectful of their beliefs, here is a recommended list of the most important religious sites In Israel and the West Bank and the most popular holy sites in Israel and the West Bank.
The list covers sacred places of four monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Bahai’s Faith. It sums up holy places of Judaism, holy places of Christianity, holy places of Islam, and holy places of Bahai Faith in Israel and the West Bank.

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RELIGIONS OF ISRAEL AND THE WEST BANK 

Today Christianity is the biggest religion in the world with about 2.1 billion followers worldwide.

Islam is the second-largest religion with over 1.8 billion followers. Judaism has about 13 million followers and the Bahai Faith has about 7 million followers worldwide.

To summarize, that’s more than 4 billion people.

4 billion people, out of the estimated 7.5 billion people on the Earth. What do those 4 billion people have in common?

Holy places in one country, called Israel today.

Israel and the West Bank cover the largest part of the biblical Holy Land, while a few sites are in Jordan and Egypt (Sinai mountain).

Speaking of religions in Israel, today about 75% of the population of Israel are followers of Judaism, about 18% are followers of Islam, 2% are Christians and about 1.6% are Druze (an Islamic sect).
Regarding the main religions in the West Bank, about 75% of the West Bank’s population are followers of Islam, about 17% are followers of Judaism and 8% are followers of Christianity.

Holy sites in Israel and Palestine

40 POPULAR HOLY SITES IN ISRAEL AND THE WEST BANK

The following list of popular holy sites in Israel and the West Bank covers the most important holy sites of Judaism, holy sites of Christianity, holy sites of Islam, and holy sites of Bahai’s Faith.

The list wraps up 40 sacred places in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Hebron, the Sea of Galilee, Haifa, Acre (Akko), and Safed.

This collection of 40 sacred places in Israel and the West Bank starts with the holiest city in the world – Jerusalem.

1. Holy Sites in Jerusalem

JERUSALEM, meaning ‘the City of Peace’ in Hebrew, is called the holiest city in the world.

Jerusalem is a holy city of 3 major monotheistic religions and the oldest monotheistic religions in the world. Jerusalem is a holy city for Muslims, Jews, and Christians.
As such, Jerusalem holds a striking number of holy sites in Israel. Jerusalem is one of the most sacred places in the world, if not the most sacred place in the world.

The Old City of Jerusalem is divided into 4 quarters: the Muslim quarter, the Christian quarter, the Jewish quarter, and the Armenian quarter. Present-day Jerusalem holds about 1.200 Jewish synagogues, about 150 Christian churches, and more than 70 Muslim mosques.

To briefly outline the history of Jerusalem, let me say that the official history of Jerusalem starts in 1.000 BC when King David made Jerusalem the capital of the Kingdom of Israel. After that Jerusalem was conquered many times and ruled by Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Syrians, Romans, Muslims, Crusaders, Egyptian Mamelukes, Ottoman Turks, and Brits, partially by Jordanians and now Israelis and partially by Palestinians.

Knowing the history of Jerusalem, historical places in Jerusalem, and sacred sites in Jerusalem, it’s quite obvious why Jerusalem is a holy city of Islam, a holy city of Judaism, and a holy city of Christianity.
Even more, Jerusalem is the holiest city of Judaism, the holiest city of Christianity, and one of the 3 major Islamic holy cities. Therefore, it’s not surprising that a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to Jerusalem is on the wish list of many believers.

The most important sacred sites in Jerusalem are the Temple Mount (Haram al-Sharif), Dome of the Rock, Al Aqsa mosque, Western Wall (Buraq Wall), Church of Holy Sepulcher, Via Dolorosa, King David’s Tomb, Last Supper Room, Church of Dormition, Dome of Ascension, Church of St Mark, Mount of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, Church of All Nations, and Tomb of the Prophets.

Among them, the Temple Mount (with Dome of the Rock and Al Aqsa mosque), the Western Wall, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre are the three major holy sites in Jerusalem and the most famous landmarks in Jerusalem.

The Temple Mount (with Dome of the Rock and Al Aqsa mosque), the Western Wall, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem are considered the holiest places in Israel and some of the holiest places in the World.

Holy Sites in Jerusalem:

1.1 Temple Mount or Haram Al-Sharif

1.2 Dome of the Rock

The TEMPLE MOUNT holds another two important religious sites in Jerusalem and Jerusalem landmarks: the DOME OF THE ROCK and AL-AQSA  MOSQUE.

The Dome of the Rock is a Jerusalem landmark that dominates the architecture of Jerusalem. Thus, when you see postcards from Jerusalem most likely you see the golden cupola of the Dome of the Rock.

1.3 Al-Aqsa Mosque

Al Aqsa mosque is the third holiest site in Islam and one of Jerusalem’s most famous places.

The Al Aqsa mosque stands on Haram-Al Sharif (or, the Temple Mount) compound in Jerusalem.

While the Dome of the Rock was built around 690 AD, the Al-Aqsa mosque was built 20 years later around 710 AD.

In the 11th century during the Crusaders’ times, Crusader kings converted the Al-Aqsa mosque into a royal palace. It became the headquarters of the Knights of Templar in the 12th century. Sultan Saladin took it later in the 12th century, followed by Mamluks in the mid-14th century.

Today Muslims, or more precisely the Waqf (the Supreme Muslim Religious Council), manage the Temple Mount with the Dome of the Rock and Al Aqsa Mosque, while the City of Jerusalem is under Israeli governance.

The entrance to Temple Mountain for non-Muslims is from the wooden Mughrabi Bridge next to the Western Wall.

Opening times: 7:30 am -11 am, and 1:30 pm- 2:30 pm (closed on Fri and Sat to non-Muslims)

1.4 The Western Wall or the Buraq Wall

The WAILING WALL, or the Western Wall or Kotel HaMa’aravi in Hebrew, is the last remaining wall of the Temple Mount where once the ancient Solomon’s Temple of Jerusalem and the Holy of Holies – the Gate to Haven stood.
The Holy of the Holies is the most sacred site in Judaism.
Therefore, the Western Wall in Jerusalem is one of the most popular holy sites in Israel.

There are separate prayer sites for men and women on the Western Wall. The left side of the wall is reserved for men’s praying and the right side for women. According to tradition, prayers put their prayer notes in the cracks between the rocks.
The Western Wall is the Buraq Wall for Muslims. The Buraq Wall is the site where Prophet Muhammad tied his horse Burqa on the Night Journey to Jerusalem. Because of this, this site is one of Islam’s sacred sites and one of the most important Islamic holy places.

1.5 Church of the Holy Sepulchre

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem is the most important and holiest Christian site in the world.
It is the holiest place in Christianity, the place where Jesus was crucified, buried, and resurrected.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem is one of the most popular holy sites in Israel and one of the most famous sacred sites in the world.

Furthermore, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem holds the STONE OF ANOINTING (also called the STONE OF UNCTION), the GOLGOTHA HILL (also called the CALVARY, or the PLACE OF THE SKULL) where Jesus was crucified, the AEDICULE CHAPEL (the Mausoleum) with the TOMB OF JESUS and the ANGEL STONE, the stone door used for closing the tomb of Jesus.
For that, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem is the holiest site in Christianity.
For centuries six Christian denominations have been sharing the church: the Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Ethiopian, Coptic, and Syriac Orthodox, while a Muslim family keeps the key to the church.

Opening hours: 5 am – 8 pm (summer), and 4 am-7 pm (winter)

1.6. Via Dolorosa

WAY OF SORROWS  or VIA DOLOROSA in Jerusalem marks a 500 m-long route of suffering Jesus Christ on his way to crucifixion.
Undeniably, the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem is one of the most famous holy places in Jerusalem and the most popular holy sites in Israel. Walking Via Dolorosa is among the most popular things to do in the Holy Land for Christians. And, Jerusalem Old City walking tours are some of the best Jerusalem tours.

14 Stations of the Cross start with the first station in the courtyard of Al-Omariya School for boys in Jerusalem (close to the Lion’s Gate in Jerusalem) and finish with the last 4 stations in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
The biggest part of the Via Dolorosa is in the Muslim Quarter, while its smaller part is in the Christian Quarter in Jerusalem. On Good Friday the Christian procession goes via Via Dolorosa, accompanied by Muslim guards in Ottoman uniforms marking their authority.

1.7 King David’s Tomb

The TOMB OF KING DAVID is one of the most important Judaism places of worship and holy sites in Jerusalem.

It is a Jewish holy place on Mount Zion. The tomb of King David is just outside the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem in the Armenian quarter. King David was the second king of the ancient Kingdom of Israel and was highly praised in the Old Testament. The Tomb of King David in Jerusalem is a Jewish holy place of worship and one of the most popular holy sites in Israel.

The Room of Jesus’ Last Supper, one of the most important holy sites of Christianity is just above the room with the tomb of King David.

Opening hours of the Tomb of King David in Jerusalem: 8 am-5 pm (Sat – Thu), 8 am-1 pm (Fri)

1.8 Last Supper Room

The list of Christian sites in Jerusalem continues with the ROOM OF THE LAST SUPPER on Mount Zion in Jerusalem.

The Room of the Last Supper also called the CENACLE ROOM, is one of the most popular holy sites in Israel for Christians.
This is a holy site of Christianity as this is the room of the Last Supper where Jesus washed their feet to His apostles and shared His last meal with them the night before He died and the night when He instituted the Eucharist.
Here the Holy Spirit came on the apostles on Pentecost, too. The Last Supper Room is also known as the UPPER ROOM since it is in an upper room in the King David’s Tomb compound.

Opening hours of the Room of Last Supper Room in Jerusalem: 8 am – 5 pm (Sat Thu), 8 am-1 pm (Fri)

1.9 Church of Dormition

The Church of Dormition stands on the top of Mount Zion in the Old City of Jerusalem.

The Church of Dormition in Jerusalem is another important sacred site of Christianity as it is believed to be the site where the Virgin Mary fell asleep and died.

Opening times: 8:30 am-11.45 am, 12:40 pm-5:30 pm, (Mon-Fri); 8:30 am-11.45 am, 12:40 pm-2:45 pm, 3:30 pm-5:30 pm  (Mon); 10:30 am-11:45 am, 12:30 pm-5.30 pm (Sun)

1.10 Dome of Ascension

The Dome of Ascension in Jerusalem is another popular holy site in Israel.

It is one of the sacred sites of Christianity but also one of the sacred sites of Islam. It is a Christian sacred site and a sacred site of Islam on Mount Zion. This is the place where Jesus ascended to Heaven.
The shrine has been a part of a mosque since the 12th century when Sultan Saladin defeated the Crusaders. Since Muslims believe also in the Ascension of Jesus Christ, the church was converted into a mosque. Ergo, it is one of the sacred places of Islam as well.
Christians are allowed to celebrate the Ascension here on the Ascension Feast Day.

1.11 Church of Saint Mark

The Church of St Mark is a Syriac Orthodox church in the Armenian quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem.

Syriac Christians were the first people who adopted Christianity as indigenous people of the Holy Land.

Syriac is the Aramaic dialect Jesus spoke. The oldest surviving liturgy in Christianity is served in Syriac.

Syriac Orthodox Church is an Oriental Orthodox church that is autonomous and doesn’t belong either to Rome or Constantinople.

The Church of St Mark is one of the most beautiful churches I have seen in Jerusalem and one of Jerusalem’s religious sites that shouldn’t be missed out in Israel.

Opening times: 9 am-5 pm (Apr-Sep); 7 am-4 pm (Oct-Mar); 11 am-4 pm (Sun)

1.12 Mount of Olives

The MOUNT OF OLIVES is a Christian holy place and a Jewish holy site.

According to the Old Testament, King David ran away from the Mount of Olives when his son rebelled. For Jewish believers, the Messiah will descend on the Mount of Olives and enter Jerusalem through the Golden Gate on Judgment Day.

Christians believe that Jesus went from the Mount of Olives to Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Also according to the New Testament, Jesus was arrested on the Mount of Olives.

1.13 Garden of Gethsemane

The GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE is another holy site of Christianity in Jerusalem.

It is the garden on the foot of the Mount of Olives where Jesus prayed the night before he was arrested and crucified.

The Church of All Nations, also called the Basilica of Agony, is in the Garden of Gethsemane. The Garden of Gethsemane and the Basilica of Agony are sacred places of Christianity.

1.14 Church of All Nations

The BASILICA OF AGONY, or the Church of All Nations, is a church just next to the olives of the Garden of Gethsemane. It is another holy place of Christianity and one of the important holy sites of Jerusalem.

The basilica was built over the rock where Jesus prayed in agony before Judas Iscariot betrayed Him.
A pair of thornbirds on the Rock of Jesus Agony symbolize souls who want to share Christ’s Passion.

Opening time: 8 am – 12 pm, 2 pm – 6 pm (or 2 pm – 5 pm in winter)

1.15 Tomb of the Prophets

The TOMB OF THE PROPHETS  on the Mount of Olives is again one of those holy sites in Jerusalem that is a Christian holy place and a holy place of Judaism.

The Tomb of the Prophets is a catacomb with the tombs of Biblical prophets Zechariah, Malachi, and Haggai. If you are looking for the tomb of Old Testament prophets, the Tomb of the Prophets on the Mount of Olives is the place to visit.

Opening hours of the Tomb of the Prophets: 9 am-3 pm (Fri, Sat, Sun closed)

Plan your trip to Jerusalem

Book your stay at
Chain Gate Hostel, or Stay Inn Hostel (budget)
Jerusalem Hotel (mid-range)
The Sephardic House Hotel in the Jewish quarter (luxury)

Check out the most popular tours in Jerusalem
Jerusalem Walking Tour: In the Footsteps of Jesus (the most popular tour)
Old Jerusalem Full-Day Tour

2. Holy Sites in Bethlehem

The City of Bethlehem in the West Bank is located only 9 km south of Jerusalem.

Bethlehem in Hebrew means ‘the City of Bread’.  Bethlehem is a holy city holding several important sacred places of Christianity, sacred places of Islam, and sacred sites of Judaism.

Bethlehem is one of the most important holy cities of Christianity since it is the birth town of Jesus Christ. Since Jesus is a prophet for Muslims, Bethlehem is also a holy city of Islam.
But Bethlehem is also the birth town of King David, the Israeli’s second king, and therefore a sacred place of Judaism.

Jerusalem and Bethlehem are the most important two holy cities for Christianity. For Christianity, holy sites in Bethlehem are the Church of the Nativity, Church of St Catherine, Milk Grotto, and Tomb of Rachel (near Bethlehem).

2.1 Church of the Nativity and the Grotto of the Nativity

If you want to see the place where Jesus was born, head to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.

THE CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY in Bethlehem was built over the grotto where the Virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus. To enter the church the visitors need to go through small and narrow doors and bow themselves in the respect of the place where God humbled Himself and became a human.
Small steps in the church lead down to the GROTTO OF NATIVITY.

Three Christian denominations: the Greek Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox, and Catholic Churches run the church. The biggest part of the church is run by the Greek Orthodox Church and smaller parts by the Armenian Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church.
Thus, Christmas in the Church of Nativity is celebrated in line with the Julian Calendar on 7 January, not 25 December.
UNESCO listed Bethlehems Church of the Nativity as a World Heritage Site.

Opening hours of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem: 6:30 am – 7:30 pm (Apr-Sept), 5:30 am – 5 pm (Oct-Mar); the Grotto is closed on Sundays

2.2 Church of St Catherine

The Church of St Catherine is a Catholic church adjacent to the Nativity Church in Bethlehem.

St. Catherine of Alexandria was an advocate of Christianity and a Christian martyr. Emperor Maximian beheaded her for her faith in the 4th century.
On 25 December the Christmas Mass is celebrated and broadcast worldwide from the Church of St Catherine, not the Nativity Church.

Opening times: 6 am-7:30 pm (Apr-Sep), 5:30 am-5 pm (Oct-Mar)

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE TO READ: Climbing Mount Sinai in Egypt 

2.3 Milk Grotto

The Milk Grotto in Bethlehem is a sacred place for Muslims and Christians.

According to the legend, Mary and Joseph stopped in the cave, above which now a chapel stands while running away from the Roman soldiers to Egypt. A drop of Mary’s milk dropped down onto the stone while nursing baby Jesus and the stone became white.

This is a Christian pilgrimage site for women who want to conceive.

Opening hours: 8 am-5 pm (Sun closed from 1 pm-2 pm)

Plan your trip to Bethlehem

Book your stay at
The Walled Off Hotel (mid-range)
Dar Sitti Aziza (luxury)

Or join a day tour to Bethlehem from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv
Bethlehem and Jerusalem Day Biblical Tour from Tel Aviv (Viator)
or Day Tour to Jerusalem and Bethlehem from Tel Aviv (Viator; the most popular)
Bethlehem Half-Day Tour from Jerusalem (Get Your Guide)
or Bethlehem and Jerusalem Day Trip from Tel Aviv (Get Your Guide; the most popular)

2.4 Tomb of Rachel

The Tomb of Rachel is the burial site of Rachel, the wife of patriarch Jacob who died while giving birth to son Benjamin.

The Tomb of Rachel is a Jewish, Christian, and Muslim pilgrim site. Biblical Rachel was childless for many years but eventually gave birth to her sons Joseph and Benjamin. Sadly, she died while giving birth to the latter. Therefore, the Tomb of Rachel is a pilgrimage site on the West Bank, especially for women who want to conceive.

The tomb of Rachel is in the north of Bethlehem, on the road Jerusalem-Bethlehem. It can be accessed only from the Jerusalem side.

3. Holy Sites in Nazareth

Nazareth is one of the most important Biblical and religious places in Israel. Nazareth is a Christian pilgrim city where the Holy Family (Mary, Joseph, and Jesus) lived after returning from Egypt.

There are several Christian holy sites in Nazareth and thus, several popular holy sites in Israel.

3.1 Basilica of the Annunciation

The Basilica of the Annunciation is made over the cave which is believed to be once the home of the Virgin Mary and the place where the angel Gabriel appeared to announce her giving birth to Jesus. It is one of the most important sacred places in Christianity.

The Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth is the largest Christian church in the Middle East.

Opening times: 8 am-6 pm

3.2 Church of St Joseph

Next to the Basilica of the Annunciation stands the Church of St Joseph, a sacred place of Christianity. The Church was built over a cave which is believed to be the carpentry workshop of St Joseph.

Opening hours of St Joseph Church in Nazareth: 8 am-6 pm

3.3 Synagogue Church

East of the St Joseph Church in Nazareth you can find another holy place of Christians – the Synagogue Church.
The Synagogue Church in Nazareth is a Melkite Greek Catholic church. Melkite is a Greek word for the carpenter.

Opening hours of the Synagogue Church in Nazareth: 8 am-5 pm (Apr-Sep),  8 am-4 pm (Oct-Mar); Sun closed 

3.4 Mary’s Well

The Mary’s Well is a public fountain and an ancient well fed by Mary’s Spring.

The Mary’s Well is close to the Orthodox Church of St Gabriel with an altar under which Mary’s Spring flows.
Orthodox Christians believe that Angel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary where St Gabriel’s Church stands today, not in the Basilica of Annunciation.

Opening hours of St Gabriel Greek Orthodox church in Nazareth: 8 am-12 pm, 1 pm-5 pm

Plan your trip to Nazareth

Book your stay at:
Michel House (mid-range) 
Al Bishara Guest House (luxury)

Or, take a day tour to Bethlehem from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem
Nazareth, Tiberias, and the Sea of Galilee Day Trip from Tel Aviv (Viator)
Nazareth, Tiberias & Sea of Galilee Day Trip from Tel Aviv (Get Your Guide)

Nazareth, Tiberias and the Sea of Galilee Day Trip from Jerusalem (Viator)
Nazareth, Tiberias & Sea of Galilee Day Trip from Jerusalem (Get Your Guide)

3.5 Church of the Transfiguration

The Church of Transfiguration is a Christian religious site on Mount Tabor in Galilee, 7 km east of Nazareth. It is believed to be the place of Jesus’ transfiguration.

Mount Tabor is a special holy place in Israel where the connection between humanity and the divine is visible in the sublime nature of Mount Tabor best experienced by hiking the mount.
The elegant Church of the Transfiguration stands on Mount Tabor since the beginning of the 20th century. The church was designed by Italian architect Antonio Barluzzi who also designed, among others, the church on the Mount of Beatitudes and the Church of All Nations in the Gethsemane Garden.

Opening hours of the Church of the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor: 8 am-12 pm, 2 pm-5 pm

4. Holy sites in Hebron

Ancient Hebron was one of the holiest cities of the Holy Land.

Hebron is a holy city of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
The holy city of Hebron is the 2nd holiest city in Judaism, the 5th holiest city in Islam, and a holy city in Christianity.

4.1 Tombs of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs

The Tombs of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs in Hebron is a sacred site of all Abrahamic faiths: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

It is the burial site of three prophets and their wives – three biblical couples: Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebeckah, and Jacob and Leah. Abraham bought this property with the Cave of Machpelah – Cave of the Double Tombs about 2,000 BC as the burial place for his wife Sarah and himself.

It is also called the Sanctuary of Abraham or Ibrahimi Mosque by Muslims. The Tombs of the Patriarchs in Hebron is the 2nd holiest site in Judaism, after the Western Wall. It is also a sacred site for Christians. To Muslims, who refer Abraham to be a prophet of God, the Cave of Machpelah is the fourth holiest site in the World.
This over 2000-year-old complex with the tombs of the prophets looks like a walled fortress. Herod the Great built the complex with an open roof to the sky. The complex is divided into 3 sections. Each section holds the cenotaphs of a prophet and a wife. Actual graves are in the caves beneath the cenotaphs.

The complex today is divided into two sides: a Muslim side with a mosque and a Jewish side with a synagogue.
The mosque holds the cenotaphs of Abraham and Sarah, and Isaac and Rebekah.
The synagogue holds the cenotaphs of Jacob and Leah, although all cenotaphs can be seen from each side through small openings.

Jewish people are not allowed to enter the mosque side while Muslims are not allowed to access the synagogue side, except on a mutually agreed few days a year.

As a Christian, I was allowed to enter both sides. And although I hadn’t initially planned to visit Hebron in my Israel and the West Bank itinerary, Hebron became one of the highlights of my trip. I came to the Tomb of the Patrichas and Matriarchs compound just before the afternoon prayers started. I visited the mosque part first, and then the synagogue part. I stood in the compound listening to the simultaneous prayers of a rabbi and an imman. They were praying to God, the God of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, and their descendants (all of us!).

2017 UNESCO declared Hebron and the Tombs of the Patriarchs a World Heritage Site.

Opening hours of the Tombs of the Patriarchs in Hebron: 7:30 am-11:30 am, 1 pm-2:30 pm, 3:30 pm-5 pm (Muslim side closed on Fri, Jewish side closed on Sat)

Plan your trip to Hebron

Take a day tour to Hebron from Jerusalem:
Hebron Day Tour From Jerusalem

5. Holy sites in the Sea of Galilee

The Sea of Galilee is an important Christian site where according to the Holy Bible Jesus calmed the water and asked Peter, James, John, and Andrew to follow Him.

Lake Kinneret is the Biblical site where Jesus walked on the water. So please head to the Sea of Galilee, if you are after the Biblical place where the ‘Jesus walking on water‘ story took place.

The Sea of Galilee area holds an impressive number of Biblical sites in Israel, religious sites in Israel, and popular holy sites in Israel. But, Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee is also one of the main holy cities of Judaism as well.

5.1 Mount of Beatitudes

The Mount of Beatitudes is a hill on the northwestern part of the Sea Galilee where Jesus is believed to have taught the Seron of the Mount, including the Beatitudes.

Today a Roman Catholic church stands at the top of the Mount of Beatitudes.

Opening hours of the Church of the Mount of Beatitudes: 8:30 am-12 pm, 2:30 pm-5 pm (2:30 pm-4 pm winter)

5.2 Tabgha

Tabgha stands at the foot of the Mount of Beatitudes and is only 3 km southwest of Capernaum.

It is a Christian sacred site. It is believed to be the Biblical place where Jesus made the Miracle of the Multiplication – where Jesus fed 5,000 people with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. Thus, Tabgha on the Sea of Galilee is Christianity’s holy site.

Opening hours of the Tabgha: 8 am-5 pm (Mon Fri), 8 am-4 pm (Sat), Sun closed 

5.3 Capernaum

Capernaum is the hometown of Jesus’ miracles and the hometown of His first apostles: the fishermen Peter, Andrew, James, and John, and the tax collector Mathew.
Therefore, Capernaum on the shore of the Sea of Galilee is one of the most popular holy sites in Israel.

Today beautiful Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Apostles stands on the shore of the Sea of Galilee in ancient Capernaum.

Opening hours of the Church of the Holy Apostles: 10 am-4:30 pm (summer), 10 am-5:30 pm (winter)

5.4 Jesus Trail

What about walking with Jesus in Israel?!

Jesus Trail is a 65 km long pilgrim route in Galilee following the footsteps of Jesus Christ. The Jesus trail covers several of Christian’s sacred places and popular holy sites in Israel.
The Jesus Trail route starts in Nazareth and goes through Cana, the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, Tabgha, and the Mount of Beatitudes. The Jesus trial lasts 4 days. If you wish to trek several historical sites in Israel where Jesus walked and to follow Jesus’ walks, this trail is for you.

Plan your trip to Tiberias

Book your stay in Tiberias: click here to get the best rates for your stay in Tiberias.

5.6 Qasr El Yahud – The Jesus’ Baptism Site on the River Jordan

This is the place where Jesus was baptized by St John the Baptist on the western bank of the River Jordan in the Palestinian territories.

In fact, the original site of the baptism of Jesus is just across this site, on the east side of the river Jordan in Jordan. The original site of Jesus’ baptism in Jordan is called Al-Maghtas.
Qasr El-Yahud is a Christian, Muslim, and Jewish sacred site on the West Bank. Jewish people believe that this is the site where Israelites crossed the river Jordan and where Elijah the Prophet ascended to Heaven. That’s why this site is on the list of Judaism’s sacred places too.

Opening hours of Qasr El Yahud: 8 am-4 pm (Sat-Tue), 8 am-3 pm (Fri, holidays)

Plan your visit to Jesus’ baptism site

Take a day tour to Jesus’ baptism site from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem:
Jordan River, Nazareth & Sea of Galilee from Tel Aviv (Get Your Guide)
Bethlehem, Jericho & Jordan River – Small Group Tour from Jerusalem (Viator)

6. Holy sites in Haifa

Haifa is the third-largest city in Israel with some exquisite sacred places for Christianity, Islam, and the Bahai Faith.

6.1 Muhraka Monastery

The Muhraka (the Horn of Carmel) monastery is a Carmelite monastery on the top of the Carmel mount in Haifa and the place where the prophet Elijah lived and fought the prophets of Baal.

Elijah, meaning ‘Yahweh is my God’ is a famed prophet and an important prophet for Jews, Christians, Muslims, and Druze.

Mount Carmel means ‘the God’s vineyard’.

The Muhraka monastery on Mount Carmel near Haifa is a sacred place for Jews, Christians, and Muslims and one of the most popular holy sites in Israel. A Catholic religious order called the Carmelite Order was founded here more than 800 years ago.

The views over the Jezreel Valley from the monastery are nothing less than spectacular.

Opening hours of the Muhraka Monastery: Mon-Sat 8 am – 12 pm, 2:20 pm-4:30 pm (Sep-Apr), Mon-Sat 8 am-12 pm, 2:20 pm-5 pm (May -Aug), Sun closed 

6.2 Stella Maris Monastery and Elijah’s Cave

The Stella Maris Monastery, or in Latin ‘the Star of the Sea’ referring to the Virgin Mary, in Haifa is the world’s headquarters of the Carmelite Catholic religious order.

The Elijah Cave stands just below the Stella Maris monastery on the foothill of Mount Carmel in Haifa. It is believed to be the cave where the prophet Elijah mediated before defeating the prophets of Baal.
Elijah was God’s messenger and a famous prophet for Jews, Christians, Muslims, and Druze. Therefore, the Elijah cave is one of the most sacred sites in Israel and a religious place for Jews, Christians, Muslims, and Druze.

Opening hours of the Stella Maris Monastery in Haifa: 6:30 am-12.30 pm, 3 pm-6 pm

6.3 Shrine of the Bab and the Bahai’s Garden

The Shrine of the Bab in Haifa is a mausoleum and the burial site of the Bab, the forerunner and the prophet of the Bahai Faith.

This is the second holiest place of the Bahai Faith, after the Shrine of Baha-Ullah in Akko.  The Shrine of the Bab, Bahais Gardens, and the Shrine of Baha-Ullah are Bahai places of worship.
Bab in Arabic means the Gate. The beautiful gardens surrounding the Shrine of the Bab are well-known as the Hanging Gardens of Haifa. The Shrine of the Bab and the Bahai’s Gardens are a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Israel.
The Bahai Faith is a monotheistic religion founded in the 19th century in Persia advocating the spiritual unity of humanity and the fundamental oneness of all religions. Bahai believers believe that there is only One God whose messengers were Abraham, Jesus, Buddha, and Muhammad. Bahai’s holy places in Israel are Haifa, Acre (Akko), and Bahji, near Akko.

Opening hours of the Shrine of the Bab: 9 am-12 pm
Opening hours of the Hanging Gardens in Haifa:  9 am-5 pm

Plan your trip to Haifa
Book your stay at:
Port Inn (budget)
Templers Boutique Hotel (mid-range)
Schumacher Hotel Haifa (luxury)

And, take a tour of Haifa
Haifa and Acco Private Tour (Viator)

7. Holy sites in Akko

The Old City of Acre (Akko), popularly known as the Crusaders’ town as once it was the home of the Templars,  is one of the UNESCO sites in Israel.

7.1 House of Abbud

The House of Abbud is a house in the center of the Old City of Akko where the founder of the Bahai Faith lived.

The Bahai Faith was founded by a man called Bahá’u’lláh, meaning the Glory of God. Baha-Ullah was Bab’s main follower. He was expelled from Teheran and lived his last 32 years in Akko. He died and was buried in Akko.

The House of Abbud is recognizable for its white-painted walls and turquoise windows. In this house, Baha-Ullah lived for a few years and composed the principles of the Bahai Faith summarized in the Bahai’s Holy book called Aqdas.

7.2 Bahji Mansion and Shrine of Baha-Ullah

The Bahji mansion with the Shrine of Baha-Ullah is the holiest place for the Bahai Faith. 

The Shrine of Baha-Ullah holds the tomb of Baha-Ullah surrounded by beautiful Persian gardens and stands next to the Bahji mansion, which was a summer house in which Baha-Ullah spent his last years of life.
The Bahji mansion is located in Bahji at the northern edge of Akko about 1.2 miles (2 km) from the center of Akko.

Opening hours of the Gardens: 9 am-4 pm 
Opening hours of the Shrine and inner gardens: 9 am-12 pm (Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon)

Plan your trip to Akko

Book your stay at:
HI – Akko Knights Hostel (mid-range)
Zidan Sarai , or The Efendi Hotel Akko (luxury)

Take a day tour of Acco:
Haifa and Acco Private Tour (Viator)

8. Holy sites in Safed

TZFAT or SAFED is the City of Kabbalah and it is one of the four holiest cities for Jews.

Four Jewish holy cities with holy places of Judaism are Jerusalem, Hebron, Tiberias, and Safed. 
There are four main sacred places of Judaism in Safed:

8.1 Tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai

The Tomb of Rabbi Shimon is the burial site of the author of the Book of Zohar (the main textbook of Kabbalah), one of the most important Judaism sacred sites in Israel and a Jewish place of worship.

The tomb is located on Mount Meron 6 miles (10 km) from Safed.
Rabbi Shimon lived in the 2nd century and taught mystical Kabbalah which covers the esoteric dimension and the deepest secrets of the Torah.

Opening hours of the Tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai: open daily 

8.2 Haari Ashkenazi Synagogue

The Ari Ashkenazi Synagogue in Safed is the oldest synagogue still in use in Israel and is a Judaism sacred site.

The synagogue was built in the 16th century in memory of Rabbi Ari, a well-known kabbalist who lived in Safed.

Opening hours of Haari Ashkenazi Synagogue in Safed: 11 am-2 pm (winter), 11 am-3:30 pm (summer), Sat closed

8.3 Sephardic Harri Synagogue

The Sephardic Synagogue of the Ari is the oldest synagogue in Safed. The synagogue was called ‘Elijah the Prophet’ but over time got renamed after Rabbi Ari who came to Safed in the 16th century to share his knowledge of Kabbalah.

Opening hours of Sephardic Haari Synagogue in Safed: 11 am-2 pm (winter), 11 am-3:30 pm (summer), Sat closed

8.4 Abuhav Synagogue

According to some beliefs, the Abuhav Synagogue was miraculously transported from Spain to Safed.

The Abuhav Synagogue was named after a 15th-century famous rabbi and kabbalist Abuhav.

Opening hours of the Abuhav Haari Synagogue in Safed: 11 am-2 pm (winter), 11 am-3:30 pm (summer), Sat closed

If you are planning a trip to Israel and wish to see all or some of these religious places in Israel, I suggest checking out my 10 day Israel itinerary.

Map of holy sites in the Holy Land

I have created this Holy Land map to help you see the exact location of the popular holy sites in Israel and the West Bank.
You can download the map via Google Maps and save the map on your phone or tablet. The Holy Land Map will be available to you offline on your phone or tablet.
Once you are in Israel you can easily find the holy sites navigating by this map.

Map of holy sites in Israel and the West Bank for your Holy Land Pilgrimage

FAQ

RECOMMENDED READ

A History of God: The 4,000-Year Quest of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

Then and Now Bible Maps

Jesus: A Pilgrimage

Come and See: A Catholic Guide to the Holy Land 

Israel Biblical Sites Travel Guide

The Holy Land for Christian Travelers: An Illustrated Guide to Israel

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