The Magdala Hotel: Where Modern Comfort Encounters Biblical History
Located on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, the Magdala Hotel is a true gem where guests enjoy first-class accommodations surrounded by exquisite art, bucolic nature, and archeological treasures – including an exceptional synagogue from Jesus’ time
Imbued with an enchantingly serene and spiritual atmosphere, the Magdala Hotel is a favorite destination for visitors of all religions looking for a place that is relaxing yet inspirational. Established by a Catholic religious order and conceived as a site for pilgrimage retreats, the venue hosts visitors of all religions from all over the world – including Christian pilgrims, Israeli families, and other tourists.
Magdala’s most important attraction was not intentional: while preparing the site for building the hotel, a well-preserved 1st century synagogue was uncovered. Inside the synagogue, archeologists found the Magdala Stone, a large block carved with symbols of the Temple in Jerusalem, including the oldest carved image of the Second Temple’s seven-branched Menorah. Experts call it the most significant archaeological discovery in the past 50 years. After being displayed in museums around the world, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Magdala Stone is now back in Magdala and can be viewed in the hotel’s lobby.
The magnificent archeological site that was revealed next to the Magdala Hotel is of enormous interest to both Christians and Jews. The spot matches the Gospels’ account of synagogues where Jesus taught and healed his disciples, including Mary Magdalene – who is said to have lived in the ancient town of Magdala. Jews find it equally fascinating to wander around the remains of the 2,000-year old synagogue and four impeccably preserved ritual baths from the same era. Christian visitors are invariably moved to see so clearly where their faith started. And visitors of all faiths enthuse about the archeological park’s sheer beauty, including the stunning mosaic floors and frescoes, the ancient market, and the 1st century fishing port.
This year, TripAdvisor awarded Magdala its prestigious Best of Best award, which is granted to the top 1% of attractions worldwide. The site is TripAdvisor’s highest ranked attraction in Israel and is in 17th place on the list of landmark attractions in the whole Middle East region.
Modern, luxurious facilities
The Magdala Hotel officially opened only a few months before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and, like all hotels in Israel, was forced to close its doors until the Spring of 2021. When it reopened, foreign tourists were still not permitted to enter Israel and the hotel quickly became a favorite holiday destination for locals looking for an exceptional Galilee get-away. Now that foreign tourists have returned, the hotel is attracting numerous groups of pilgrims, in addition to a diverse mix of other guests.
The two-story hotel comprises 150 modern, luxurious rooms that are unusually spacious – each has two large beds and a big balcony. Some of the rooms are accessible to wheelchair users. The hotel’s Tarichaea Restaurant offers three sumptuous buffets every day, and the hotel’s pampering facilities also include diverse event spaces and conference rooms, a lovely outdoor swimming pool with lounge chairs and a well-equipped gym. Guests also enjoy direct access to the Sea of Galilee.
The hotel’s landscaping is no less than stunning. Stroll through the beautiful gardens with their ancient olive trees, vivid flowers and living water installations – and simply listen to the birds singing! Stop to marvel at the exquisite modern mosaic floor depicting a map of the Galilee region in the 1st century. The mosaic was made by a Chilean artist using 1.5 million colored stones from all over the world.
At the crossroads of Jewish and Christian history
The Magdala complex is run by members of the Catholic Church. Their mission is to foster a culture of encounters among people of different faiths at this special site at the crossroads of Jewish and Christian history. The management espouses core values of faith, respect, servant leadership and partnership – and these humanistic principles are indeed reflected throughout Magdala.
In honor of native daughter Mary Magdalene, women take pride of place throughout the complex. There are numerous works of art depicting women inside the hotel and the other buildings as well as in the outside areas.
Women are also the focus of the magnificent Duc In Altum building, situated next to the hotel. A true architectural gem, this unique modern structure provides a place for prayer, teaching, and worship for Christians of all backgrounds and denominations. Its impressive Women´s Atrium features murals, mosaics, icons, paintings and architectural features which honor women in general and the women of the Bible in particular. The ancient Synagogue influenced Altum’s architecture and decor so one can feel the encounter of the first with the twenty first century!
In addition to the Women’s Atrium, Duc In Altum houses six chapels, including the main boat chapel, four smaller lateral mosaic chapels, and the lower level Encounter chapel. The boat chapel is so named because its altar is shaped like a wooden boat, with the Sea of Galilee clearly visible behind it from the pews. The structure attracts numerous visitors – Christians and non-Christians alike – and serves as a cultural hub that hosts events such as the Sea of Galilee International Choir Festival and the annual Magdalena Institute Women´s Encounter.
Whether you are planning a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, looking for the perfect place to spend a holiday with your family or searching for a venue for a personal or corporate event, the Magdala Hotel will enable you to enjoy the beautiful Galilee region while being immersed in extraordinary Biblical history and culture – as well as the more mundane pleasures offered by topnotch accommodations.
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