Christian tradition believes that the basilica marks the place where the angel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary and told her that she would give birth to the Messiah (Luke 1:26-38).

At the entrance to the church there are artistic depictions of the annunciation from around the world. They all portray Mary (whose original name of course is Miriam), sometimes alone and sometimes with the baby Jesus, and each nation has created its own unique cultural image of the biblical story.

The Chinese painted Mary and Jesus with slanted eyes and pale white skin. The Korean Mary and Jesus looked Asian. Egyptians and Spanish created a dark-skinned Mary and the Indonesian Mary looks like a heavenly fairy from a fantasy. To the Vatican, the “Mother of God” is a slender, somber damsel. Romanians made Mary look like a typical icon and the Thai Mary, with Jesus in her arms, appears as a delicate goddess from the Far East.

Israel Today Membership

Become a Member

• Read all member content

  Get exclusive in-depth reports from Israel.

• Get exclusive in-depth reports from Israel

  Connect with Israel, right from your home.

• Lift up the voice of truth and hope

  Support Jerusalem-based Zionist journalism.

Become a Member

Already a member? Login here.