The nearly three decades Jesus spent in Nazareth are commonly called the “silent years.” Yet over the centuries, Christians have sought sites in Nazareth to commemorate events from Jesus’ life. The Mensa Christi Church, in Nazareth’s charming Old City, is such a place.
 
Its Latin name, “Table of Christ,” is usually associated with a site near the Sea of Galilee where Jesus prepared a meal for the disciples after the resurrection, but this Mensa Christi refers to a meal with the disciples in Nazareth. Inside the church, built in 1861, is a large limestone block marking the scene of this fellowship time. The church’s frescoes and airy dome were restored by experts as part of the celebrations of the year 2000. An interesting walk leads down to Mensa Christi from Nazareth’s northern ridge among vine-trellised homes recalling the town’s agricultural roots.

*To arrange a visit, email the Nazareth Tourist Board at www.nazarethinfo.org