The Church of the Annunciation
The facade
Baptiserium
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The Basilica, planned by Giovanni Muzio, was built in 1960-1969 by the Israeli firm Solel Boneh.
The architect conceived a plan of two churches, one above the other and interconnected the lower or crypt on the level of the former churches, and the upper church.
The lower church preserves the Holy Grottos and the remains of the Byzantine and Crusader churches, which bespeak an uninterrupted cult and authentic tradition.
The present basilica preserves the outline of the Crusader church. On the left site of the lower church the north wall of the Crusader church is visible.
The mosaic apse is made by Salvatore Fiume (died Milan, 3 June 1997), representing the “one, holy, catholic and apostolic church” (Triumph of the church).
The upper Church is the Latin Parish Church of Nazareth.
The 6m. high presbytery is built over the main apse of the Crusaders.
Many of the wall paintings, mosaics, stained glass windows and sculptures are gifts from countries around the world.
Grotto of Annunciation and upper church
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