Magdala
מגדלא
The hometown of Mary Magdalene, where excavations uncovered one of Galilee's earliest 1st-century synagogues and the 'Magdala Stone,' carved with a menorah.
Magdala lies on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, about 6 km north of Tiberias. It is the hometown of Mary Magdalene in the New Testament. In 2009, a 1st-century synagogue was unexpectedly uncovered during construction of a pilgrimage center. It is one of only a few synagogues from that era in Galilee. The 'Magdala Stone,' with a carving of the seven-branched menorah from the Temple at its center, caused a stir in archaeological circles. The original is displayed in the museum, and the one on site is a replica. Next to the site is the Duc In Altum church, known for an altar shaped like a fishing boat, with the lake as its backdrop, and for a mural inside depicting the woman who touched Jesus's garment. Admission is about NIS 25, and a visit takes about an hour.
Opening hours
About 08:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Mount Arbel National Park
- Sea of Galilee Boat Ride & Ancient Galilee Boat (Ginosar)
- Tiberias Old City & Promenade
- Tabgha (Church of the Multiplication & Primacy of St. Peter)
- Mount of Beatitudes
- Capernaum
- Yardenit Baptismal Site
- Kursi National Park