Magdala in Galilee at the foot of Mount Arbel

Ancient city of Galilee known today as the city of Migdal, Magdala is associated by the Christians to one of the main female characters of the New Testament: Mary of Magdala or Mary Magdalene.
Located in the southern shore of Lake Tiberias, the archeological site of Magdala was identified by researchers as the city of Migdal repeatedly cited under different names in the Babylonian and Jerusalem Talmuds: Migdal Nunaya ("Fish Tower") ) and Migdal Sebayah ("Dyers Tower"). Its Greek name "Tarichae" was identified by archaeologists and researchers thanks to the writings of Flavius Josephus. It was stated that the cities of Magdala (Migdal) and Tarichae are one and the same Jewish city.

Standing on the shore of Lake Kinneret, a great naval battle took place there in 67, after which the city fell into the hands of the Roman leaders Vespasians and Titus, who later arrived in Jerusalem and destroyed the Temple in the 70s.

The history of the city

According to the findings of several researches and excavations carried out by the Franciscan Custody in the 70s, Magdala would have been an important fishing port on the southern shore of Lake Tiberias. Actually, the remains of an ancient port were discovered   with what could have been a lighthouse, as well as a huge market confirming the city's reputation for its large freshwater fish canneries in the Roman-Byzantine era.

Later in 2009, new archaeological excavations were undertaken on the site of Magdala and revealed one of the 7 synagogues discovered in the country dating from the Second Temple period. This very special synagogue aa well as the archaeological and modern site of Magdala is one of the most visited places in the region.

The birthplace of Mary Magdalene

The city of Magdala would be the place of origin of Mary Magdalene, the one evoked in the Gospels under the name of Mary of Magdala or Mary Magdalene. This key character  in the life and death of Jesus is first presented in the Gospel of Saint Luke as that which the Lord delivered from seven demons.

Often likened to the woman of light manners that Christ saved from stoning, Mary Magdalene was then one of the women who remained at the foot of the cross after the disciples fled. And it was to her that Jesus first appeared after his resurrection. She was the first messenger of the Resurrection of Christ, which earned her the nickname "Apostle of the Apostles".

The visit of the site

In Migdal you may visit the ruins of the ancient Jewish port city of Magdala, with the remains of its tower and its fish market. Rich in symbols, this site is regularly visited by all communities.