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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5.0
1,305 reviews
Excellent
1,160
Very good
99
Average
29
Poor
10
Terrible
7
David M
4 contributions
Jan 2020
My wife and I came here on our own without a tour group. We spent two hours here and enjoyed it very much, at a much slower pace than tours can allot. We received a private tour from Father Kelly with no one else around. He took us to the chapel, with the tile mosaic depicting Jesus bringing a young girl back to life, and took pictures of us appearing to touch the hands of Jesus and the girl. A great visit!
Written 15 January 2020
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.
g w
52 contributions
Oct 2019
Apart from the modern Chapels, the uniqueness of the site is the remains of its 1st century synagogue and, of course, its magnificent stone table. Only a handful of synagogues from the 2nd Temple period have been discovered so far, and this one presents some unique features, such as (remains of) mosaics and wall paintings. It is worth a visit for ANYONE, regardless of faith. The volunteers can provide you with an interesting guided tour (the level of knowledge may vary, the enthusiasm, not). I visited the site several times with groups, and the experience have always been very positive. Warmly recomend!
Written 4 February 2020
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.
Thomas Edward H
Saint Louis, MO13 contributions
Feb 2020
My wife and I stayed at theMagdala GuestHouse for four nights while on a pilgrimage with a Catholic group. When we arrived we were pleasantly surprised that it is not just a beautiful hotel and spuritual oasis, but also a very interesting and inspiring archeological site from the 1st-century period. Since Mary Magdalene lived in the area, it is very likely that Jesus walked in this very spot and probably taught in the synagogue that has been unearthed.
The chapel on the grounds is also very special—perhaps the most beautiful I have seen out of many. It has four small chapels, each of which has a beautiful mosaic of a scene from the gospels. The main chapel is also remarkable. It has an altar that gives the impression of a boat like Jesus sailed on in the Sea of Galilee that is about 100 yards away.
In addition, the accommodations and the staff are excellent.
If you are traveling as a pilgrim to the area of the Sea of Galilee, you can’t do better than the Magdala Guest House.
The chapel on the grounds is also very special—perhaps the most beautiful I have seen out of many. It has four small chapels, each of which has a beautiful mosaic of a scene from the gospels. The main chapel is also remarkable. It has an altar that gives the impression of a boat like Jesus sailed on in the Sea of Galilee that is about 100 yards away.
In addition, the accommodations and the staff are excellent.
If you are traveling as a pilgrim to the area of the Sea of Galilee, you can’t do better than the Magdala Guest House.
Written 23 February 2020
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.
Michelle Y
3 contributions
Dec 2019
Our Singaporean group visited this place during Christmas, December 2018. The Boat Chapel had the most beautifully-made altar we had ever seen. We were blessed to have celebrated Mass there and it really felt as though the Priest, like Jesus, was on a boat and preaching to us. Please don't forget to take a moment to yourself in the Chapel for reflection. The different mosaic chapels are not to be missed, especially the most beautifully crafted one on the lower level, where you can reflect on the story of the woman who touched Jesus' feet.
Written 7 May 2020
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.
Patricia Dauber Ortiz
1 contribution
Oct 2020
This was my first time in the Holy Land. When Padre Juan began this experience by saying:" You are now stepping on the Holy Land where Jesus walked," I was impacted. The entire experience has brought Jesus, Mary, the apostles, disciples and women to life.
The organization and realization of this experience was impeccable. Thank you.
The organization and realization of this experience was impeccable. Thank you.
Written 31 October 2020
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.
Pedro
Vienna, Austria1 contribution
Feb 2020
Why is it worth visiting the Holy Land? In Magdala you will find the answer. Fr. Eamon Kelly gave us a tour of the archeological site and of the whole center. He explained very well the connections between history, faith and spiritual life. Walking around the lake gave us a whole new insight on the life of Jesus.
Even if a person is not a Christian he or she will benefit from the experience. For a Christian this site is a must. After Fr. Kelly´s explanations we spent two hours there and it was not enough.
Even if a person is not a Christian he or she will benefit from the experience. For a Christian this site is a must. After Fr. Kelly´s explanations we spent two hours there and it was not enough.
Written 10 February 2020
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.
Steve C
Huntsville, AL9 contributions
June 2021 • Friends
Magdala is an amazing site. The team has done a masterful job of unearthing this treasure where Christ likely preached. Padre Kelly uses a unique combination of reverence and humor to explain the importance of this site while building connections between Jews and Christians. Highly recommend this on your next visit to Galilee.
Written 2 July 2021
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.
Liz
7 contributions
Dec 2019
What an amazing experience it was! I call it my Alabaster Box experience. Knowing the song The Alabaster Box, sung by an american female artist, the site came alive for me. The black stones and rock formations were absolutely amazing. Everything about this part of Israeli history was so special as this site was established especially for women to come and experience the truth about Mary Magdalene and who she truly was as well as her encounter with her Beloved Saviour Yahushua. You have to plan to spend a few hours there. My biggest regret was that my friends and I went too late and couldn't Enjoy the full experience. Packed with history and spectacular surroundings and beauty I am most definitely called to go back for the entire spiritual experience. I love Migdal period!
Written 14 January 2020
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.
Donald F
DownEast and Acadia Maine, ME42 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
Men and women of faith come here to experience first century and twenty-first century holiness and spiritual growth here on the shores of the Galilee.
The ancient synagogue(s) enlighten me and my family as pilgrims.
The hosts, guides and hospitable staff members from around the world welcome us to meals, overnight stays, worship and learning. This is a very special place for women.
I seldom give a five star review. Mandala has earned it.
We look forward to our return.
The ancient synagogue(s) enlighten me and my family as pilgrims.
The hosts, guides and hospitable staff members from around the world welcome us to meals, overnight stays, worship and learning. This is a very special place for women.
I seldom give a five star review. Mandala has earned it.
We look forward to our return.
Written 5 September 2022
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
June 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.
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
Written 26 July 2019
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
Written 18 November 2019
Добрый день!
Я экскурсовод в Израиле.
Мои туристы из России спрашивают как можно попасть на радоновые источники в Магдалу?
Written 30 September 2018
Is there a tickets or do we pay money ?
Written 19 July 2018
No, they're in process, but it looks like it will be a while before they are completed.
Written 7 June 2018
Are walking/teaching tour guides available through the Visitor's center?
Written 26 January 2018
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.
Written 28 January 2018
Is it easy to drive here from Tel Aviv, and do you have to do a tour or can you come on your own?
Written 24 October 2017
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
Written 25 October 2017
Thank you, Mrs Giesbrecht for an amazing review on the site.
Follow us on facebook as well as Experience Magdala.
Written 6 April 2016
Dear GrumpyPug,
Thank you so much for your amazing review. If you could improve anything at the site, what would be?
Written 6 April 2016
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
Written 23 August 2016
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