Top 8 Sites to Visit in The Holy Land

The Holy Land is full of history and meaning, making it a powerful place for a spiritual journey like no other. For centuries, people have visited this location to follow in the footsteps of prophets and saints to experience where sacred stories come to life.

For those planning on Holy Land tours, it’s a chance to explore ancient sites, connect with the roots of Christianity, and walk where biblical figures once walked. Every corner holds a story, and every site is a chance to feel a closer connection to the history and teachings of Jesus. However, there are iconic, must-see sites to visit in the Holy Land every traveller should include in their visit.

Visiting the Holy Land is not just a trip, it’s a meaningful experience that will stay with you forever. Here are the top seven sites that will allow you to step into the past while experiencing the present-day significance of these sacred places.

1.     The Resurrection Church (The Holy Sepulchre Church)

The Church of Holy Sepulchre is the most important church for Christians. It was built in 325/326, is located at the end of the last four stations of the Via Dolorosa. Therefore, one of the most visited Christian sites in the world, revered by millions of Christians from all around the globe.

For Pilgrims, the Church contains the two focal points in Christianity; the site where Jesus was crucified, known as “the Golgotha” or “Calvary,” and Jesus’ empty tomb, where his burial and resurrection is marked, “The tomb of Jesus”.

Consecrated in 335 AD, the church has been damaged, destroyed, and rebuilt numerous times over the centuries. Walking into the church after crossing the old stone courtyard is an experience you won’t forget. Even with the crowds, there’s a surprising sense of peace.

2.     The Golgotha

Located within the Church of the Holy Sepulchre since 335 AD, Golgotha is the name of the site where Jesus was crucified, according to the New Testament. The Greek-Orthodox church maintained the Golgotha and decorated it in the traditional Byzantine style.

A glass floor protects the top of the Golgotha spur, except for a small section where one can put his hand through a metal disk and touch an indentation in the rock. This cavity is believed to be the very spot where the cross used for the crucifixion of Jesus was positioned.

Visiting Golgotha is a deeply moving experience that allows you to connect spiritually with the central event of Christian faith—the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It serves as a reminder of the depth of God’s love and the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice.

3.     The Garden of Gethsemane

The Garden of Gethsemane, located near the foot of the Mount of Olives, is known in the New Testament as the place where Jesus went with his disciples to pray the night before he was arrested and crucified.

Many people come here to reflect and pray, finding comfort among the ancient olive trees that create a calm and peaceful atmosphere.

Right next to the garden is the Church of All Nations, built over the rock where Jesus is believed to have prayed sorrowfully before Judas betrayed Him and then He was arrested.

4.     Sea of Galilee

The Sea of Galilee is a significant location in the New Testament, where many of Jesus’ teachings and miracles took place. The freshwater lake which is also Israel’s largest freshwater lake and primary source of drinking water, has witnessed important biblical stories, making it a must-visit site in The Holy Land Experience.

According to the gospels, the famous lake is known as the place where Jesus would minister to the people of Israel, and it is believed that Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount on a small hill on the northwestern shore of the lake. He also walked over the waters of the lake, fed five thousand people, and found a few of his disciples while they were working as fishermen.

Sailing on the Sea of Galilee is without a doubt one of the most tranquil experiences one can have and provides a wonderful opportunity for reflection and prayer.

5.     Capernaum

Located in the northern portion of the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum was an ancient fishing village during Roman times and is known as the central hub for Jesus’ ministry, often referred to as ” Jesus’ own city.” Here, Jesus spent the last three years while visiting Jerusalem from time to time during the Jewish holidays, especially Passover.

This significant town is mentioned multiple times in the New Testament. It was a popular trading village in the Gennesaret area, and also the main route for trade between Damascus in the North and Egypt in the south.

And, according to the Gospels, it is where Peter, Andrew, James, and John lived. At this site, you will learn of Jesus’ miracles, such as healing the paralytic, casting out demons, and feeding the five thousand (without boys and women) with 5 loaves and 2 fish. It is also the place where Jesus calmed a storm and walked on water to comfort His disciples.

Capernaum’s rich remains include a church built over the house of Peter and the grandest synagogue ever found in Israel from the Byzantine period. Maintained by the Franciscans, Capernaum remains one of the Holy Land’s most famous Christian pilgrimage destinations.

6.     The Beatitudes

The Beatitudes are a set of teachings by Jesus found in Matthew 5:3–12 and Luke 6:20–23. They are part of the Sermon on the Mount and describe the attitudes and qualities of those considered blessed in God’s eyes.

The Mount of Beatitudes (Har HaOsher in Hebrew) is a small hill in northern Israel, in the Korazim Plateau. It is located between Capernaum and Tabgha, just above the Cove of the Sower, with an open space that makes it possible for large crowds to gather and listen to Jesus. It is traditionally recognized as the site where Jesus delivered the “Sermon on the Mount”, one of the most famous of all sermons.

Sermon on the Mount is also considered the bedrock and the foundation of the new religion of Christianity. This place is particularly important because it’s where Jesus taught about love, humility, and righteousness, those lessons that impacted His followers deeply.

The Bible references many moments of Jesus’ presence in this area. It’s where He began His ministry, performed healing miracles, and faced opposition from the Pharisees over His views on ritual purity.

In Matthew, the Beatitudes include blessings for the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. These blessings emphasize humility, compassion, and a longing for justice and peace.

The Beatitudes are like a roadmap to living a good life, showing us how to be better people and make the world a better place. They offer comfort and hope, showing that God’s favor rests on those who endure hardship and live according to his values.

The Mount of Beatitudes is also understood to be the place where Jesus met his apostles after his Resurrection and commissioned them to “make disciples of all nations”.

7.     Bethlehem

Bethlehem, known in Christian history as the birthplace of Jesus Christ, is one of the most important holy sites for Christians after Jerusalem. It is in the West Bank and as a Christian tour guide, we have access to go back and forth to the area West Bank.

According to Christian tradition, Jesus was born in a manger in Bethlehem, a significant location in the Christian faith. In the 4th century, Emperor Constantine commissioned the construction of the iconic Church of the Nativity over this site. Completed in 339 AD, it remains one of the oldest Christian churches in the world.

Today, the Church of the Nativity is a key Christian landmark in Bethlehem, attracting pilgrims from around the world, especially during Christian holidays such as Christmas, as the city serves as a central point for celebrations. Inside, there is an underground grotto where a 14-point star marks the exact spot of Jesus’s birth.

Visitors can see the cave where Jesus is believed to have been born, located beneath the church. Inside, there is a golden star marking the exact spot of Jesus’ birth, a significant religious symbol for Christians worldwide.

This small town, mentioned in biblical texts, has been a spiritual destination for believers who want to explore the historical significance of the area. It is also believed to be the home of Elizabeth and Zechariah, the parents of John the Baptist.

Bethlehem serves as a symbol of Christian faith and hope, as it stands as a living witness to the sacred birth of Jesus Christ, whom Christians believe to be the Savior and Redeemer.

8.     Jericho

One of the oldest cities in the world, Jericho is located in the lower Jordan Valley, just west of the Jordan River and about ten miles northwest of the Dead Sea West Bank. The city is an important historical and cultural center and is home to many archaeological sites, including the ancient Tell of Jericho, which dates back thousands of years.

Jericho is best known as the location of an astonishing miracle God performed. It was the first city conquered by Israel after crossing the Jordan River and occupying the Promised Land. Jericho played a role in Jesus’ ministry. Jesus healed two blind men near the city of Jericho and encountered Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector, while passing through the city.

Ongoing archaeological discoveries in Jericho continue to show details that align with the biblical story.