On the western side of the Sea of Galilee lies Magdala, once a prosperous 1st century fishing village nestled at the base of Mount Arbel, between Tiberias and Capernaum. While mentioned only one time in the New Testament (Matthew 15:39), significant archaeological discoveries in the past decade have prominently placed Magdala on the map.
Magdala is most commonly known as the birthplace of Mary Magdalene, one of the few people named in the Gospels for being present at Christ’s crucifixion and the first recorded witness to His Resurrection. It was also the commercial center for the fish trade and a village Jesus visited often during His ministry. Conquered by the Romans in 67 AD, Magdala fell into obscurity over the centuries.
In 2005, under the direction of Father Juan Solana, the Legion of Christ, a Roman Catholic religious institute, purchased land in the town of Migdal, with the intention of building a retreat center to welcome pilgrims visiting the Holy Land. When construction site digging began in 2009 on mounds of rubble and debris, no one expected to find anything of consequence. Preliminary test digs revealed otherwise: a 1st century synagogue, uniquely adorned with ornate mosaics and frescoes, was found. It is one of only seven from the Second Temple period known to exist, and the first to be found in the Galilee region.
Discovering the Synagogue was only the first of many surprises. Inside, archaeologists uncovered the intricately-carved “Magdala Stone.” Experts consider the stone to be one of the most significant finds of the last 50 years, its engravings helping scholars to more clearly understand 1st century Judaism. Engravings include decorative symbols that may be the earliest known artistic depictions of the Second Temple, of greatest excitement is the seven-branched menorah. Visitors to Magdala can view a replica of the stone, the original having been removed for safekeeping.
Over time, excavators have unearthed much of the entire town of Magdala. Among many finds, the archaeological dig has uncovered four beautifully preserved ritual purification baths (mikva’ot) interconnected and supplied by spring water, thousands of 1st century coins – including one minted in Tiberias in 29 AD, verifying the synagogue’s 1st century origins – pottery, and even a sheathed Roman sword.
No visit to Magdala is complete without a visit to Duc in Altum (Latin for “put out into the deep” based on Luke 5:4), an ecumenical worship center that features breathtaking architectural elements dedicated to Jesus’ ministry. Inside, the Women’s Atrium is dedicated to women of faith through the ages and the altar of the Boat Chapel is constructed in the shape of a 1st century boat, displayed in front of an infinity pool leading the eye to the Sea of Galilee beyond.
The lower level of Duc In Altum houses the Encounter Chapel, built on the original 1st century marketplace stone floor. Perhaps it is here that Jesus healed the hemorrhaging woman (Matthew 9:20-22; Mark 5:25-34; Luke 8:43-48), as depicted in the larger-than-life mosaic articulating the scene of the woman reaching out to touch the hem of His garment.
Magdala is quickly becoming one of the most significant sites on the Sea of Galilee. This inspirational and memorable experience is one you do not want to miss!
