Magdala
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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  • jeepvette
    Goshen, Indiana1 contribution
    Always Stop Here
    What 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 2022
    Written 9 December 2022
  • Allie H
    Lincoln, California175 contributions
    Hidden gem
    This 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 2022
    Written 11 January 2023
  • Happiness235391
    2 contributions
    Not to be Missed
    This 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 2022
    Written 7 February 2023
  • gordond661
    2 contributions
    Good
    Being 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 2023
    Written 21 March 2023
  • Soniaphoebe
    Miami, Florida4 contributions
    MY 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 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 22 March 2023
  • Anne B
    Tamworth, Australia8 contributions
    Awe Inspiring
    An 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 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 14 April 2023
  • Marcelo O
    1 contribution
    Excellent 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 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 5 May 2023
  • giorgio
    Prairieville, Louisiana1 contribution
    Cavins & 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 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 7 June 2023
  • Bill Martuscello
    Amsterdam, New York6 contributions
    Where Jesus Walked
    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.
    Visited March 2023
    Written 28 June 2023
  • Claire P
    South Daytona, Florida104 contributions
    A Peace of Heaven on Earth
    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!
    Visited April 2023
    Written 28 June 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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!!
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!
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.
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.

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Magdala, Migdal

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