Lions Gate (St. Stephen’s Gate)-St. Anne’s Church-Stations of the Cross

As you walk through Lions Gate — where the first Christian martyr, Stephen, is believed to have been martyred — on your right you’ll soon see the Crusader-built St. Anne’s Church, beautifully preserved from the 12th century. Via Dolorosa begins 200 yards past the church. Follow the clearly marked stations, which culminate at the  Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Magdala Archeological Park

Historians believe that Jesus taught in the first-century CE synagogue whose remains were discovered only in 2009 during excavations for a proposed Christian retreat in Magdala, the Galilee hometown of Jesus’ follower, Mary Magdalene.

The most significant find so far is the 2,000-year-old Magdala Stone, the earliest known artistic depiction of the Second Temple. This stone recently went on display at the Yigal Allon Center at Kibbutz Ginosar near the Sea of Galilee, which also houses the ancient “Jesus” boat.

The archeological park is open daily from 8am to 6pm, with entrance through the Magdala guest house (pay admission at the reception desk).

Yardenit Baptismal Site 

Many Christian pilgrims dip into the waters of the Jordan River at Yardenit, a site at the southern tip of the Sea of Galilee, where it is believed John the Baptist baptized Jesus.

Visitors to Yardenit are greeted by a verse from the Gospel of Mark about the event, translated into more than 80 languages and dialects, depicted on hand-painted tiles by Armenian artist Hagop Antreassian.

Entry to the site is free, and there’s a visitor center and quiet areas for group prayer and contemplation. Visitors may rent or purchase white baptism robes; a changing room is available. To accommodate groups, the site offers 12 separate baptismal pools.