Magdala
5
Historic SitesAncient RuinsPoints of Interest & LandmarksReligious Sites
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
A unique Holy Land site known as the hometown of Mary Magdalene, located at the shores of the Sea of Galilee. The archaeological site features a complete first century town from the times of Jesus. It is one of Israel´s most recent archaeological discoveries with the best preserved synagogue in the Galilee. Complementary tours of the site are available upon request. The site also features "Duc in Altum" a place for worship and prayer. Magdala is known as a crossroads of Jewish and Christian History, and will soon also feature a guesthouse in opening mid-2018.
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38 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- jeepvetteGoshen, Indiana1 contributionAlways Stop HereWhat a beautiful place! it is right on Galilee with plenty of space for groups or for personal reflection. We always bring our groups here. The ruins of the town and he walkways right where Jesus walked were almost overwhelming. Excellent facilities.Visited August 2022Written 9 December 2022
- Allie HLincoln, California175 contributionsHidden gemThis little hidden gem was an added stop by our guide. The history, grounds and view of this location were brilliant. The most amazing part is that the throngs of tour buses weren't there allowing all the visitors to take a leisurely stroll at their own paces. Highly recommend this stop if you have 30 minutes or more to spare.Visited May 2022Written 11 January 2023
- Happiness2353912 contributionsNot to be MissedThis was a beautiful experience both spiritual and esthetically pleasing. I loved the site's historical significance since they are still excavating from the time of Jesus. Staying at Magdala, I felt that I was served delicious food and the accommodations were superb.Visited November 2022Written 7 February 2023
- gordond6612 contributionsGoodBeing able to have a time of worship for our group in the inspiring church. Enjoying the ease of access that benefited people with mobility limitations. It would be good to have a richer portrayal of Magdala's life and place in the time of Jesus.Visited March 2023Written 21 March 2023
- SoniaphoebeMiami, Florida4 contributionsMY DREAM TRIP TO MAGDALA, ISRAEL. Where I want to go back, highly recommended in every sense of the word.I highly recommend this place, from the minute you arrive you get welcomed with a smile from very pleasant people that make you feel at home. The lobby is magnificent with a lot of natural light, there is a MAGDALA stone exhibited right there, Saint Joseph Chapel a very nice gift shop and outside the, recently discovered synagogue and a nice pool and grounds. The rooms are ample, clean and well equipped, nice comfortable bed, pillows and bedding, big bathroom with toiletries from the Dead Sea and nice soft towels. Right in front of the Sea of Galilee, with beautiful views. The Church and the Chapels around the rotonda are spectacular, the boat shaped altar in the main chapel, tiled biblical themes in the small chapels, a great rotonda lobby with a magnificent drilling and columns, everything in there has a sacred meaning. If you go, you must meet Father Juan Maria Solana, founder and Director of that beautiful place and the other priests and volunteers, even if it’s just to say hello. By the way everybody from every religion and cult is welcomed. With the grace of God, I’ll go back to this amazing place.Visited February 2023Travelled soloWritten 22 March 2023
- Anne BTamworth, Australia8 contributionsAwe InspiringAn unexpected find, this place is a definite must see. The archeological digs are fascinating and the church is absolutely awe inspiring, especially with the back drop of the Sea of Galilee. Take the time to wander off the track and make sure you find it. If you follow signs to First Century city you’ll find it but don’t turn back till you do.Visited January 2023Travelled soloWritten 14 April 2023
- Marcelo O1 contributionExcellent facilities, service and personal care. Spirituality and peace at the Sea of Galilee.During our recent stay at The Magdala Hotel we were extremely impressed and highly satisfied with the hotel facilities, service, food and very personal relationship. Very beautiful buildings with a fantastic view of the Sea of Galilee that inspired peace and spiritual tranquility. Will return.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 May 2023
- giorgioPrairieville, Louisiana1 contributionCavins & Fr Mike Pilgrimage fantastic first day!A beautiful and reverent—inspirational setting. Attended mass with rest of group on pilgrimage with the Sea of Galilee as background to nautical altar setting. The first century synagogue presentation is amazing and sets the tone for our walk with Jesus these next 11 days.Visited June 2023Travelled with familyWritten 7 June 2023
- Bill MartuscelloAmsterdam, New York6 contributionsWhere Jesus WalkedIf looking to walk where Jesus walked ..."And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people." Matthew 4:23. First century synagogue located on the shore of Galilee adjacent to the Valley of the Doves at the foot of Mt Arbel, which they say is the ancient route between Nazareth and the Galilee. Would have been the closest synagogue coming from Nazareth through the Valley of the Doves. You can stand on the threshold of the 1st Century Synagogue at Magdala.Visited March 2023Written 28 June 2023
- Claire PSouth Daytona, Florida104 contributionsA Peace of Heaven on EarthI have travelled to Israel 6 times. On each occasion I have spent time at Magdala,as a guest and also several times as a volunteer. This site is absolutely wonderful. Historically it is an incredible site. The location at Lake Kineret ( aka Galilee) gives you the opportunity to relax and absorb the vistas and sounds of nature unique to the Holy Land. The staff is gracious and joyful, trying their best to meet your needs. More importantly, this is truly a place to rest and spend time with God. If Magdala is not on your itinerary, I suggest you request it be added!Visited April 2023Written 28 June 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,302 reviews
Excellent
1,157
Very good
99
Average
29
Poor
10
Terrible
7
Temper43 - Alfredo
Panama City, Panama1,321 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
an amazing archeological site, with one of the first synagogues in the Galillee, the site is quite big and the amazing fact it is the ancient town of Magdala with all its historical connotations. A must visit site on the shores of the Sea of Galillee.
Written 10 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grisell R
Miami, FL3 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
10/5
I took part of the volunteer project in Magdala. It was life changing. From the community we create, to living, dining, taking part of the holy site in the Holy Land it was a life changing experience.
Magdala Hotel, and the Archeology park is trully amazing. It’s a clean, very well kept site. Welcoming, and heartfelt from the volunteers to the employees. God’s precense is felt all around and you just can’t deny it!! Highly recommended!!
I took part of the volunteer project in Magdala. It was life changing. From the community we create, to living, dining, taking part of the holy site in the Holy Land it was a life changing experience.
Magdala Hotel, and the Archeology park is trully amazing. It’s a clean, very well kept site. Welcoming, and heartfelt from the volunteers to the employees. God’s precense is felt all around and you just can’t deny it!! Highly recommended!!
Written 2 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nancy T
9 contributions
Jul 2023
Magdala is my favorite site in the Holy Land! The encounter chapel and the hallway of pillars are both beautiful reminders of how Jesus loved and honoured women!
Written 23 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cristiana B
3 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
I have visited the site and spotted a family of 4 cats a mother and their babies very poorly treated at this site! I am devastated! So much money and so poor treatment to god’s creation!
What a shame on you all!
What a shame on you all!
Written 5 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travellers411
Ottawa, Canada5 contributions
Jul 2023
Visiting Magdala is such an amazing and moving experience. You feel like you are actually walking in the footsteps of Jesus. Words cannot describe the feeling. I have visited in 2018 and doing so again in 2023..
Written 27 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dianne H
Jersey, UK7 contributions
May 2023 • Friends
Each time we visit Magdala there is more to discover. A truly amazing site, full of Biblical history. The simple, beautiful church overlooking the Sea of Galilee is a wonderful addition to the site.
Written 29 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The doctor
Puerto Rico10 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
An outstanding religious , spirtual, gastronomic resort , of tracenda history under the dirction of A super leader , man of God Father Solana
Written 28 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ElP
1 contribution
Jun 2023
I just saw it was marked in the top ten spots to visit/experience. This is actually the case as a pilgrim but unfortunately their volunteer program is very poor. The living conditions are below standard. It seems so unfair to have a top class hotel there now, while as a volunteer you have to stay in a very dirty/unclean/unhealthy environment. My experience there was not a good one in this regard. The fact that you pay for the first month of your experience and the accommodation is at this standard really shocked me. One could get very sick there with the conditions, and I doubt anyone who lives in the Israel would live/reside at this residence, or the members of the workers.community members themselves. I hope things have changed since my last visit there, for the sake of the volunteers health anyway. Really shocking standards. I am surprised they did not plan that volunteer housing would be on the site when they did the massive build. So much time, talent and service these individuals offer. I don't know anywhere else offering such a poor standard of care.
In relation the site itself and the experience I would give it 5 stars. It is a beautiful place.
In relation the site itself and the experience I would give it 5 stars. It is a beautiful place.
Written 28 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Claire P
South Daytona, FL104 contributions
Apr 2023
I have travelled to Israel 6 times. On each occasion I have spent time at Magdala,as a guest and also several times as a volunteer. This site is absolutely wonderful. Historically it is an incredible site. The location at Lake Kineret ( aka Galilee) gives you the opportunity to relax and absorb the vistas and sounds of nature unique to the Holy Land. The staff is gracious and joyful, trying their best to meet your needs. More importantly, this is truly a place to rest and spend time with God. If Magdala is not on your itinerary, I suggest you request it be added!
Written 28 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bill Martuscello
Amsterdam, NY6 contributions
Mar 2023
If looking to walk where Jesus walked ..."And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people." Matthew 4:23. First century synagogue located on the shore of Galilee adjacent to the Valley of the Doves at the foot of Mt Arbel, which they say is the ancient route between Nazareth and the Galilee. Would have been the closest synagogue coming from Nazareth through the Valley of the Doves. You can stand on the threshold of the 1st Century Synagogue at Magdala.
Written 28 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greetings,
Is the guest house open for bookings yet?
If so, is it possible to book for a Christmas/New year retreat at the guesthouse?
Thanks for your help,
Blessings,
Julienne
London
Romeo L
2 contributions
It’s opening on Nov 24, 2019 !!!
Queridos amigos: este domingo 24 será la inauguración de la casa de peregrinos de Magdala. Bendito sea Dios. Gracias a todos ustedes por su apoyo y oraciones. Pueden seguirlo en vivo.
Dear friends, this upcoming Nov. 24 we will be inaugurating the Magdala guesthouse. Thanks be to God. Thank you for your constant support and prayers. You can follow the inauguration live from our website
Добрый день!
Я экскурсовод в Израиле.
Мои туристы из России спрашивают как можно попасть на радоновые источники в Магдалу?
Jdmillerok
Tulsa, OK
Is the Guesthouse on the grounds completed yet?
Eva G
Wake Forest, NC3 contributions
No, they're in process, but it looks like it will be a while before they are completed.
Anita T
Montrose, CO13 contributions
Are walking/teaching tour guides available through the Visitor's center?
Lawrence G
43 contributions
Yes they are and the two guides we used were informative and helpful. There is a ton of archeological and historical information related to the area. The chapel and encounter the deep room are marvelous places for prayer and meditation. Extraordinary really. While built by the Catholic Church, it is not a Catholic facility and open to all believers.
Daina S
Wilmington, DE10 contributions
Is it easy to drive here from Tel Aviv, and do you have to do a tour or can you come on your own?
Hello Daina,
Many thanks for writing. The best way to get to Magdala is driving by road 6 and following the highway to Tiberias. We are 7km north Tiberias, in the modern town of Migdal.
About the tours, you may find a volunteer available in english otherwise you can tour around the site by your own.
Looking forward to welcome you.
Magdala social media team
Thank you, Mrs Giesbrecht for an amazing review on the site.
Follow us on facebook as well as Experience Magdala.
Dear GrumpyPug,
Thank you so much for your amazing review. If you could improve anything at the site, what would be?
Thank you very much. I apologized you couldn´t go into the Chapel. Even there is service happening, you are welcome to visit in silence. About the construction, God willing we will finish next year. Another reason for you to come back.
If you would like to get any news or updates about the site, you can follow us on facebook as Magdala - landmark.
Have a lovely day,
Mariana
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Frequently Asked Questions about Magdala
- Hotels near Magdala:
- (1.84 km) Magdala Hotel
- (2.15 km) Nof Ginosar Hotel
- (0.64 km) Club Yam Kinneret
- (5.14 km) Caesar Premier Tiberias
- (1.80 km) Isrotel Gomeh Hotel
- Restaurants near Magdala:
- (0.19 km) Magdalena Restaurant
- (0.23 km) Angus
- (0.29 km) Tanureen
- (0.27 km) Tamar restaurant
- (5.23 km) Avi's Restaurant
- Attractions near Magdala:
- (1.51 km) Arbel National Park
- (1.22 km) Mount Arbel
- (5.23 km) Galilee Sailing LTD
- (2.33 km) The Ancient Galilee Boat
- (0.84 km) Flyboard Hatsafon