Grotto of the Annunciation, Nazareth Live Cam

The Grotto of the Annunciation lies directly below this view, in the lower church of the basilica at Nazareth, northern Israel. An altar stands over the cave itself, with the excavated remains of earlier churches around it and seating along the walls.

Catholic tradition places the house of Mary at this cave and the announcement of the birth of Jesus inside it. The basilica above was built in the 1960s over Byzantine and Crusader foundations, which were left exposed rather than cleared, and the upper church carries mosaics of the Virgin given by Catholic communities from around the world.

Mass is celebrated at the altar in view several times a day and is what the stream mostly carries. Between services the lower church is quiet and visitors move along the rail above the grotto.