The Basilica of the Annunciation or Church of the Annunciation is a Catholic basilica. It is in the heart of the city of Nazareth, in the North of Israel. Its construction, which was designed by the Italian Franciscan architect Giovanni Mazzio for The Custody of the Holy Land, was carried out by the highly recognized Israeli company Solel Boneh in the late 1960s.

This church is one of the most visited of the country, not only for its architectural and archaeological uniqueness but also (and especially) for all the symbolism it holds. As a matter of fact, following the Christian tradition, it is said that it was on the Church of the Annunciation that Archangel Gabriel visited Virgin Mary to announce she would bear the child of God, Jesus.
As a result, the Basilica of the Annunciation is one of the most important sites of Christianity.

A basilica full of history

Archaeological excavations on the site of the Basilica of the Annunciation have revealed many treasures. Several inscriptions dating from the early Judeo-Christians were found on the site, giving a very clear indication of the faith and love they bore to Jesus and Mary as the holy mother of the son of God.

The excavations led to the discovery of ancient churches (the present church having been built on the ruins of these), one dating from the Byzantine era (4th century BC) and the other from the Crusader era. On several occasions, the building’s setup by the crusaders was destroyed and rebuilt in a different way depending on under whose conqueror’s leadership the country was (from the Mamluks until today). Finally, in 1620, the Franciscan monks installed their monastery which still exists in the courtyard of the Basilica of the Annunciation which covers the "cave of the Annunciation". A few centuries later, for the first time in history, a pope traveled to Israel to inaugurate the "new" church (the current one, built by Solel Boneh) and started a dialogue with Orthodox churches after centuries of disagreement.

Every element of this site, from the doors to the walls of the courtyard or the arrangement of the crypt have been thoroughly thought and designed so that each visitor feels immersed in the mystical atmosphere of the Basilica of the Annunciation.

Every year, millions of tourists from all over the world visit the Basilica of the Annunciation.