Ancient Magdala in Migdal Israel
Explore incredible archaeological discoveries in a small town near the Sea of Galilee

Migdal Israel is a small, sleepy town on the northwest shores of the Sea of Galilee.

view of Magdala, Migdal Israel from Mount Arbel

If you like archaeology and religious history, you'll enjoy an amazing visit.

Book a Private, One-Day Tour of the Galilee:

Follow the footsteps of Jesus in the Galilee

Discover the Green Galilee of Israel Tour

Jewish Gems and Heritage in the Galilee Tour

Magdala, Migdal Israel
Entire Jewish City from the 1st Century

Back in 2009, a Christian pilgrimage guesthouse was being built in this traditional site of Magdala, the home town of Mary of Magdala.

But no one imagined what was hiding under a thin layer of dry soil. ‎

As workers began to dig the foundation for the guesthouse, they first discovered an ancient Jewish synagogue from the 1st century during the days of the Great Temple in Jerusalem. It is the oldest synagogue ever found in the Galilee and one of the oldest in the world. In all likelihood Jesus visited and preached in this synagogue.

But this discovery was only the beginning‎.

An entire Jewish city unfolded before the unbelieving eyes of the archaeologists.

Magdala Migdal Israel remains of a Jewish city from the 1st century

In the 1st century, Magdala had a thriving fishing industry, sending pickled fish as far as Rome.

Only about 10% of the town has been excavated, but it has already brought to light houses and warehouses, an ancient port, beautiful mosaic floors, a 'migdal' watch tower, well-paved streets and even a 'mikveh' or traditional Jewish bath.

Mikveh, a traditional ritual bath house at Magdala Migdal Israel

Magdala, Migdal Israel
The Magdala Stone

But the most incredible find from inside the ‎synagogue is the Magdala Stone.

the Magdala Stone discovered near the Sea of Galilee in Migdal Israel

The size of a small table, archaeologists ‎consider it the most significant find in the past 50 years.

The front of the Magdala Stone depicts the oldest carved image of the Second ‎Temple’s seven-branched Menorah ever found.

After the destruction of Jerusalem, the Menorah was taken from Temple to Rome. You can see a carving of the Menorah today in the Arch of Titus in Rome, celebrating the Roman triumph over the Jews. For two thousand years, people have argued just what the Menorah looked like and if the depiction on the Arch of Titus was accurate.

The Magdala Stone has solved this riddle. The menorah in Rome and on the Magdala Stone are identical.

Magdala, Migdal Israel
Churches in Magdala

Just steps away from the excavation is the Church Duc in Altum ('Put out into the Deep' in Latin from Luke 5:4).

This modern church uniquely combines elements of ancient excavations with the most modern design. When ‎entering the church, the first thing one sees is the beautiful Boat Chapel.

With a breathtaking view of the Sea of Galilee, a reflecting pool ‎behind the glass walls and a unique boat-shaped altar, this chapel commemorates ‎Jesus preaching from the boat. ‎

The Boat Chapel is surrounded by four additional chapels called "Mosaic Chapels" ‎whose walls are covered by expressive mosaics depicting several famous ‎Biblical events at the Sea of Galilee.

You can see the Mary ‎Magdalene Chapel, commemorating the story in Luke of Jesus casting out demons ‎and curing Maria Magdalene.‎

Down the stairs is the Encounter Chapel. Its floor is an archaeological treasure, the original, first century marketplace floor of ‎the ancient Magdala port. The huge wall painting titled “Encounter” -