Adama is a destination in the Oromia Region of Ethiopia, though the facts supplied for this entry also place a city of similar name in Israel, where it is known as Nazareth, An-Nasirah in Arabic, and Nazret. Its description here refers to the Israeli city. It is the largest Arab city in Israel, and it is best known as the childhood home of Jesus in Christian tradition.
Why visitors come
Most travellers come to Nazareth for its religious sites. The city is a major destination for religious tourism, and it draws pilgrims and visitors from many countries throughout the year.
- The Basilica of the Annunciation, the city's best-known church, which is central to any pilgrimage visit.
- Numerous Christian pilgrimage sites spread across the city, so a visit can easily include several stops on foot.
Planning a visit
Because the city's appeal is largely spiritual and historical, it suits visitors who want to explore sacred places at an unhurried pace. Allow time to move between sites, and check each location's own arrangements before you go, as details such as opening times and entry conditions are not covered here.
As Israel's largest Arab city, Nazareth also offers a window onto daily life beyond the pilgrimage trail, and a stay gives a fuller sense of the place than a single stop would.