Built for British sailors in the mid 1800s, this austere church was the second Anglican place of worship established in the Holy Land.
Christ Church is one of the many active churches located within the fascinating Old City of Nazareth. Visit Christ Church to witness the religious practices of the Protestant-Anglican communities of Israel. Work began in 1869, upon the request of British missionary sailors unable to find a church suitable for their beliefs. It is the final masterpiece of Swiss architect Ferdinand Stadler, who passed away a year before the completion in 1871.
Study the humble Gothic Revival exterior, which features a façade decorated with a mix of tall, narrow windows and rose windows. A lack of original funds meant that the spire was not added until 2014, some 143 years after the church’s consecration. Look for a stone plaque embedded into a wall. It is inscribed with the name of the church in both English and Hebrew.
Stained-glass windows add color to a somber interior, characterized by white-washed walls and high arches. Pay attention to a plaque inscribed with stylized Arabic writing set behind the communion table. It is a verse from a sermon by Jesus from the Gospel of Luke.
Also of note are ceramic tablets with the names of some of the first missionaries ordained at the church. One of these, Frederick Augustus Klein, is famous for his discovery of the Moabite Stone in the Jordanian town of Dhiban in 1868.
The church is open daily and admission is free. Dress modestly and be respectful of worshippers when visiting. You’ll find the attraction in the Old City of Nazareth and a 5-minute walk from Nazareth Central Station.
Include a visit to other major Nazareth attractions and landmarks after touring Christ Church. The nearby Sisters of Nazareth Convent operates as a church, pilgrim’s hostel and school. Guided tours of the convent’s Roman ruins are available by prior arrangement. Gaze in awe at the imposing Basilica of the Annunciation and shop for clothing, souvenirs and spices at Nazareth Market.
