Basilica of the Annunciation
“And the Word became flesh”
Historians tell that the Grotto and its surroundings, being the site of the Annunciation were turned into a worship place in the 1st and 2nd Century.
-Early sources referred to the place as being “The House of the Virgin Mary” What supports this claim are the numerous inscriptions on the walls, mentioning Mary, which were left by pilgrims and visitors in
early Christianity.
-In 427 AD, the first Byzantine church was built on the site.
-In the 12th Century, a Crusade church was built over the ruins of the Byzantine church.
-The current Basilica, consecrated in 1969, is built over the Grotto and the ruins of four earlier churches.
Marker can be reached from Paulus Ha Shishi 0.3 kilometers north of Iksal.
Courtesy hmdb.org
