The Best Biblical Sites to Visit in Israel
As the Birthplace of Christianity, Israel is a must-visit pilgrimage destination for every God-fearing devotee. Believers from all over the world flock here to follow in the footsteps of Jesus at famous, spiritually enlightening sites.
Jerusalem
The spiritual epicentre of Christianity and Judaism, Jerusalem is home to the highest concentration of biblical sites on Earth. Thus, the Old City (and outlying region) is the top priority for most Israel tours for Christian groups.
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
As the crème de la crème of big-ticket biblical sites, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the first port of call for most Christian tours to Israel. This iconic ancient complex houses Golgotha, the site where Jesus was crucified (John 19:17–18), and Calvary, his empty tomb and the site of his burial and subsequent resurrection (Matthew 28:6).
Emperor Constantine constructed the church to commemorate Our Saviour over the remains of a Pagan temple in 312 AD. The basilica contains the last 5 Stations of the Cross (Via Dolorosa), a famous 14-step devotion pilgrims follow to observe Christ’s final steps towards crucifixion.
Via Dolorosa
Also known as the “Way of Suffering,” Via Dolorosa marks the route Jesus trod from his condemnation to his execution (John 19:17). Winding through narrow Old City alleys, this iconic path features 14 Stations of the Cross that observe 14 crucial events in his life. Pilgrims pause at each station to reflect on their spirituality and recite muttered prayers.
Nine stations lie scattered throughout various Old City streets, while the remainder reside inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Roman soldiers flogged Jesus as he dragged a crucifix towards where the church now stands (John 19:17-19). Keep an eye out for the Franciscan Church of the Flagellation en route.
Mount of Olives
Just east of the Old City, the Mount of Olives is a lofty historic hilltop mentioned on many occasions throughout the Scriptures. King David, for example, escaped across this mountain during the rebellion (2 Samuel 15:30). In the New Testament, the Mount of Olives is the site where Jesus taught his Disciples (Matthew 26:36-39) and wept over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41–44). In the Acts of the Apostles, the mountain is mentioned as the place where Jesus ascended to heaven (Acts 1:9–12).
The name stems from the olive plantations that once covered the ridgeline. Nowadays, Mount of Olives is home to multiple well-known Old & New Testament churches. There’s also a 3,000-year-old Jewish Cemetery. Home to 15,000 graves, it’s the world's oldest continuously used burial place.
Mount Zion
Perched above the Old City, this elevated mountaintop effectively birthed the Christian Church. It’s also associated with several key Christian events, making it a go-to destination for pilgrims in Jerusalem.
Jesus shared a Last Supper here with his disciples before his crucifixion (Luke 22:19–20). Held in a room known as the Cenacle, the event was later portrayed in a world-famous 15th-century mural by Leonardo da Vinci.
Christians also believe King David was buried on Mount Zion, with the precise site marked by a shrine (2 Samuel 5:7). Most importantly, following Christ’s ascension, the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples gathered on Mount Zion (Acts 2:1–4). Known as the “Pentecost,” this miraculous happening is traditionally believed to have birthed Christianity.
Garden Tomb
Discovered relatively recently in 1867, the Garden Tomb is an alternative location for Jesus’ final moments. Some Christians, primarily Evangelicals and Protestants, believe Our Saviour may have been crucified, buried, and resurrected here, rather than the more celebrated Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The Garden harbours a mysterious skull-shaped rock formation, which some say is the biblical site of Golgotha or Calvary.
Quiet and secluded, the Garden Tomb is a tranquil contrast to the crowded Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Many pilgrims elect to visit both sites to ensure they’ve prayed at the real final resting place of Jesus.
Temple Mount
On the eastern edge of the Old City, Temple Mount is of monumental importance to all three Abrahamic religions, making for an ethnic and theological melting pot. The sacred mountain marks the locations of the First and Second Jewish Temples (1 Kings 6:1) and where, according to Islam, Muhammad ascended to heaven.
Although the hilltop is best known for the Al-Aqsa Islamic compound, it’s also a popular pitstop for Christians on an Old City pilgrimage. Temple Mount receives numerous New Testament mentions, including foreboding prophecies about its inevitable destruction (Matthew 24:1–2). Many Christians also believe Jesus taught his disciples and performed various miracles here (Matthew 21:12–14).
Sea of Galilee
Located in the north, about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Jerusalem, the Sea of Galilee is the second most sought-after destination for Christian tours of the Holy Land.
Capernaum
Lining the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum is the remains of an old fishing village that Jesus called home during his ministry (Matthew 4:13). The site is referenced numerous times in the New Testament as the “Town of Jesus.” Our Saviour is believed to have performed many miracles here, including healing the paralytic (Mark 2:1–12).
Capernaum thrived in the 1st century AD as a Roman Garrison and administrative centre. Pilgrims can still visit many remnants today, such as the Synagogue where Jesus taught (Mark 1:21), and St. Peter's house, where Jesus lived with one of the first Christians, Peter the Apostle (Matthew 8:14–15). The now ruinous town was abandoned sometime before the First Crusade.
Mount of Beatitudes
Overlooking Capernaum and the Sea of Galilee, the Mount of Beatitudes is a serene escarpment carpeted with luscious gardens and blessed with breathtaking views.
But this tranquil, unassuming hilltop holds more interest to Christians as a biblical site. It was here that Jesus delivered his famous Sermon on the Mount, one of the most widely quoted teachings of the Gospels (Matthew 5:1–12). Found in the Gospel of Matthew, the oration eloquently outlines some of Jesus' most impactful moral teachings. Pilgrims can wander the mountain’s well-manicured grounds or stop to pray in a modest yet elegant 19th-century monastery.
Tabgha
Nestled beneath the Mount of Beatitudes, Tabgha is a sacred, natural spring-rich area that set the scene for two important biblical events.
The most well-known is the Gospel’s Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes, where Jesus fed 5,000 famished followers with just two fish and five loaves of bread (Matthew 14:19–21). The Church of the Multiplication commemorates the event with mosaics depicting fish and a bread basket.
Tabgha is also the place where Jesus appeared to his disciples for the third time after his crucifixion (John 21:1–14). At that moment, Our Saviour commissioned Saint Peter to lead his church (John 21:15–17).
Mount Tabor
Located in the Lower Galilee, many Christians believe Mount Tabor is one of two possible sites of the Transfiguration of Jesus (Matthew 17:1–2). While records can’t pinpoint the
precise location of this miraculous event, the lofty mountaintop offers a serene open-air setting for reflection and prayer.
This towering dome-shaped mountain overshadows others in the Galilee, leading to the much-quoted biblical expression, “like Tabor among the mountains” (Jeremiah 46:18). The 4th-century Church of the Transfiguration has interesting religious mosaics and sweeping views.
Other Areas
The Old City and the Sea of Galilee contain most of Israel’s top biblical sites. But there’s a plethora of other pilgrimage-worthy places scattered throughout the country.
Bethlehem
A 25-minute one-way trip from the Old City, Bethlehem is a popular detour for pilgrims touring Jerusalem. The main attraction is the Church of the Nativity, a strikingly white 4th-century church where the Gospels affirm Jesus was born to the Virgin Mary (Luke 2:6–7).
Some accounts say Our Saviour was born in a manger because there was no room at the local inn. Others claim the miracle took place in a nearby cave. Either way, pilgrims can pay homage to this historical event at a cave-manger in a dimly lit cavern known as the “Grotto of the Nativity.”
Nazareth
Located in Northern Israel, Nazareth is a bucket-list biblical site defined in the Gospels as Jesus’ hometown (Matthew 2:23). Although born in Bethlehem, Jesus spent much of his childhood in this ancient agricultural settlement (now a modern city), which gave rise to the title “Jesus of Nazareth.”
The Basilica of the Annunciation marks the spot where, according to the Gospel of Luke, the angel Gabriel informed Mary that she would conceive the Son of God (Luke 1:26–31). The 20th-century church features religious artwork depicting Jesus and his family, sourced from around the world.
Caesarea Maritima
Built by Herod the Great, the Roman capital, Caesarea Maritima, is mentioned multiple times in the New Testament. Several biblical events occurred at this Mediterranean port city. The baptism of the Roman centurion, Cornelius, by Peter the Apostle, for example, was a pivotal moment in the spread of the Gospels among the non-Jewish population (Acts 10:47–48).
Pilgrims can see where the Pilate Stone was uncovered in 1961. This archaeological marvel provided the first concrete, non-biblical evidence that a New Testament figure, a Roman Governor named Pontius Pilate, worked as the prefect of Judea during the time of Our Saviour (Matthew 27:2). Pilgrims will need to travel to the Israel Museum in Jerusalem to see the inscribed limestone block in person.
Caesarea Maritima is also commonly cited in connection with Paul's missionary expeditions and subsequent imprisonment (Acts 25:13–14).
Jericho
Located between the Jordan River and Jerusalem, remote Jericho is among the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities. The 11,000-year-old settlement appears in the Bible numerous times, most notably during the Battle of Jericho.
After leaving the desert, the Israelites, led by Joshua, stumbled upon Jericho and began marching in circles around the city, with priests blowing horns as they rode. The walls of the heavily fortified stronghold were said to have fallen in a show of God’s divine intervention (Joshua 6:20).
Mount of Temptation
Not far west of Jericho, Mount Temptation is traditionally believed to be where Jesus was tempted by the devil in the desert and fasted for 40 days (Matthew 4:1–11). The looming rocky outcrop is also known as “Mount Quarantania, a mispronunciation of the Latin word “Quarentana,” or “40” in English. Jesus’ famous 40-day fast inspired the Christian practice of abstinence during Lent.
A gravity-defying monastery clings precariously to the mountain cliff face. Among the ancient rock-carved buildings is a small chapel that marks a natural cave where the temptations took place. Pilgrims can hop in a cable car if they don’t fancy the steep 30-minute hike to the top.
Jordan River: Qasr el Yahud & Yardenit
Stretching south from Syria, the 200-mile Jordan River forms the border between Israel and Jordan, passing through the Sea of Galilee and emptying into the Dead Sea. The site where Jesus is believed to have been baptized by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13–16) is called Qasr el Yahud, located a half-hour drive from Jericho.
Given its remote location, many Christian pilgrims prefer to visit the baptismal site of Yardenit, located further north by the Sea of Galilee. Sharing the same Jordan River waters, this modern, accessible site attracts around 500,000 visitors annually, largely due to its convenient location near other biblical sites. Although it's far from the real location, Yardenit still offers a spiritual experience for Christians seeking to renew baptismal vows.
When to Visit on a Biblical tour of Israel?
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer pleasant weather for exploring Israel’s top biblical sites.
Daytime temperatures in the summer (June–August) can be scorching. However, Sar-El Tours can curate itineraries with air-conditioned coaches to minimize discomfort.
Israeli winters bring cold, rainy weather, with occasional snowfall in Jerusalem. For those who don’t mind frigid temperatures, it’s an affordable and uncrowded time to visit.
How long do I need for a Holy Land pilgrimage in Israel?
Seven to ten days is enough to tick off the main sites in Jerusalem and Galilee. Pilgrims seeking a more in-depth experience or exploring further afield should plan 10-14 days in the Holy Land.
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