The modern Catholic Basilica of Annunciation is built over the traditional site of Annunciation of Virgin Mary, the Home of Virgin. Annunciation is a term used to refer Archangel Gabriel's announcement to Virgin Mary that she will give birth to the 'Son of God' (Luke 1:26-38). Today, this two-storied structure built over a cave or grotto is the largest Church in the Middle East. Consecrated in 1969, the modern Church is built over earlier Churches from at least five distinct periods, viz. Franciscan (1955, 1871 and 1730), Crusader (1109-1187, 1229-1263), Byzantine (570 AD) and earlier (4th Century AD) periods.
The first Church of Annunciation is believed to be built by late 3rd Century or early 4th Century AD. The Spanish pilgrim, Egeria, who visited Nazareth in 383, reports about an altar erected on a cave shown as Mary's Home. According to Roman Catholic tradition, it is the same cave/grotto where the Archangel Gabriel appeared to Virgin Mary and over which the present modern Church is built.
The Second Church of Annunciation was built for Queen Helena (Mother of Emperor Constantine) by Joseph of Tiberias around the same time when she built the Church of the Nativity (Bethlehem; where Jesus was born) and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher (Jerusalem, the tomb of Jesus), probably in mid 4th Century.
A 5th-6th Century Greek mosaic inscription has been uncovered today inside the grotto with the lines: "For Conon, Deacon of Jerusalem". He is assumed to be the founder of the third Annunciation Church that was built in 570 AD. The mosaic is still visible to the public and can be seen inside the grotto of annunciation, fenced with an iron grill. Later, the Church was built and rebuilt several times by Crusaders and Franciscans until the magnificent modern Church was designed and made by Giovanni Muzio in 1969.
The Second Church of Annunciation was built for Queen Helena (Mother of Emperor Constantine) by Joseph of Tiberias around the same time when she built the Church of the Nativity (Bethlehem; where Jesus was born) and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher (Jerusalem, the tomb of Jesus), probably in mid 4th Century.
A 5th-6th Century Greek mosaic inscription has been uncovered today inside the grotto with the lines: "For Conon, Deacon of Jerusalem". He is assumed to be the founder of the third Annunciation Church that was built in 570 AD. The mosaic is still visible to the public and can be seen inside the grotto of annunciation, fenced with an iron grill. Later, the Church was built and rebuilt several times by Crusaders and Franciscans until the magnificent modern Church was designed and made by Giovanni Muzio in 1969.
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