Magdala is an excavated first-century Jewish town on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, just north of Tiberias, and it is the traditional hometown of Mary Magdalene. You can walk through a synagogue that was in use in the time of Jesus, see a replica of the famous Magdala Stone and pray in the modern Duc in Altum chapel that looks out over the lake. Most visitors spend about an hour here as part of a Galilee day that also includes Capernaum and Tabgha.
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This guide is part of our Sea of Galilee series. For the full lake overview, start with our complete guide to the Sea of Galilee. If you are planning a pilgrimage, our guide to the Christian sites of Galilee shows how Magdala fits with the other Gospel sites around the shore.
Magdala at a glance
| Key fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Western shore of the Sea of Galilee, north of Tiberias, next to the modern town of Migdal |
| How long to spend | About 1 to 1.5 hours for the ruins and the chapel |
| Best time | Spring and autumn, in the morning before the heat and the large groups |
| How to get there | By car, or on a guided Galilee day tour from Tel Aviv, Jerusalem or Herzliya |
| What it costs | The site charges an entrance fee that can change. Check the official Magdala website, or see our tour prices below |
| Booking tip | Join a tour that lists Magdala by name, since not every Galilee itinerary stops here |
Why Magdala matters
For most of the twentieth century, Magdala was a name in the Gospels and little more. That changed in 2009. Builders were preparing the ground for a Catholic guesthouse and retreat center when they hit ancient walls. Archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority took over, and they found a whole town.
The town they uncovered was a busy fishing and trading center. Ancient writers also called it Taricheae, a Greek name linked to salting fish. You can still see the outline of streets, shops, a market area, homes and ritual baths. It gives you a clear picture of the kind of lakeside town Jesus walked through.
The biggest find was the synagogue. Very few synagogues from the time of the Second Temple have ever been found, and this one sits right on the road between the lake towns where Jesus taught. The Gospels say he preached in the synagogues of Galilee. Many visitors find it moving that this could be one of them, although no inscription proves he was here.
What to see at Magdala Israel
The site has two parts. One is the archaeological park with the ancient town. The other is Duc in Altum, the modern spiritual center built beside the ruins. Plan time for both, because each tells a different side of the story.
The Magdala synagogue
The Magdala synagogue is a fairly small hall with stone benches around the walls. These benches are where people sat to hear the Torah read aloud. You can still see parts of the mosaic floor and traces of painted plaster on the walls. Coins found during the dig helped date the building to the first century.
Stand in the middle and picture a town meeting on the Sabbath. That is what this room was for: reading, teaching and community life. In 2021, archaeologists also announced the discovery of a second first-century synagogue at Magdala, which shows how active Jewish life was here.
The Magdala Stone
In the center of the synagogue, the diggers found a carved stone block now known as the Magdala Stone. On one side is a seven-branched menorah, one of the earliest known carvings of the menorah from the time the Temple still stood in Jerusalem. Other sides show designs that many scholars link to the Temple itself.
What you see in the synagogue today is a replica placed where the original was found. The original is kept by the Israel Antiquities Authority for protection. Your guide will point out the details, so ask them to show you the wheels and the arches carved on the sides.
The ritual baths and the market
Near the synagogue are several mikvaot, Jewish ritual baths. They are fed by groundwater that still rises into them. It is one of the most striking things at Magdala, because you can see clear water in pools that people used two thousand years ago.
Walk on to the market and the fish processing area. Stone basins and shop floors show how the town made its living from the lake. It helps you understand why Jesus called fishermen as his first disciples on this very shore.
Duc in Altum: the chapel on the shore
Duc in Altum is Latin for put out into the deep. These are the words Jesus says to Peter in the Gospel of Luke, just before the miraculous catch of fish. The center opened in 2014 and was designed as a place of prayer for visitors of every Christian background.
You enter through the Women's Atrium. It has pillars named for women who followed Jesus, with one pillar left without a name. That last pillar honors all the women of faith whose names are not recorded. It is a simple idea that many visitors remember long after the trip.
The main chapel is called the Boat Chapel. The altar is shaped like a first-century fishing boat, and a large window behind it opens onto the Sea of Galilee. Around the atrium are smaller chapels with mosaics of Gospel scenes from the lake. Groups often celebrate Mass or hold short prayers here, so keep your voice low.
Downstairs is the Encounter Chapel. A large painting shows the hand of a woman reaching to touch the hem of Jesus's cloak, from the Gospel story of the woman who was healed. The lower level sits close to the remains of the ancient town, which gives it a quiet, grounded feeling.
Mary Magdalene and Magdala
Mary Magdalene takes her name from this town. The Gospel of Luke says Jesus cast seven demons out of her and that she supported his ministry with other women. She stood near the cross and, in the Gospel of John, she is the first person to meet the risen Jesus.
For centuries, popular tradition wrongly painted her as a repentant prostitute. The Gospels never say that. In 2016, Pope Francis raised her memorial day, July 22, to a feast, and she is often called the apostle to the apostles. At Magdala, the focus is on her as a disciple and a witness, and that tone runs through the whole site.
How to visit Magdala
Magdala lies on the main lakeshore road between Tiberias and the northern sites. If you drive, it is an easy stop, and there is parking at the site. Opening hours and ticket prices can change and may be different on Sundays and holidays, so check the official Magdala visitor information before you go.
Most of our guests come on a guided day tour. Here is why that works well:
- No driving stress. The roads to the north are busy, and parking near Capernaum and Tabgha fills up fast.
- Context. A guide connects the ruins to the Gospel stories and to Jewish life in the first century.
- Timing. Guides know when the big pilgrim groups arrive and plan around them.
Expect gravel paths, some uneven stone and a few steps. Wear good walking shoes. Much of the ruin area is open to the sun, so bring a hat, sunscreen and water, even in spring.
Dress code and etiquette
Duc in Altum is an active place of worship. Cover your shoulders and knees, and bring a light scarf if you are wearing a sleeveless top. If a service is going on, wait quietly or come back later. Photos in the ruins are fine, but be respectful during prayers.
Safety in northern Israel
Security conditions in northern Israel have changed several times in recent years. At the time of writing in November 2026, check your own government's advice before you book, such as the US State Department travel advisories. We follow guidance from Israeli authorities, and if a route needs to change, we will contact you directly.
Combining Magdala with Capernaum and Tabgha
The best way to see Magdala is as the first stop on a loop around the northwest shore. The sites are close together, and the order below follows the road north from Tiberias.
- Magdala. Start early with the synagogue, the Magdala Stone and Duc in Altum.
- Ginosar. Just up the road, the museum at Kibbutz Ginosar displays an ancient wooden boat found in the lake mud. It pairs well with the Boat Chapel.
- Tabgha. See the famous loaves and fishes mosaic at the Church of the Multiplication and walk down to the rock at the Church of the Primacy of St. Peter.
- Mount of Beatitudes. Gardens and a church above the lake where tradition places the Sermon on the Mount. Read our Mount of Beatitudes guide for what to expect.
- Capernaum. The town Jesus made his base, with the remains of Peter's house and a later white limestone synagogue. Our guide to Capernaum covers it in detail.
Many tours also add Nazareth or a stop at the Jordan River. If you want to stay overnight by the lake, our Tiberias city guide covers hotels, the promenade and food. You can also look at our Nazareth guide if you plan to visit the Basilica of the Annunciation on the same trip.
Planning your visit in 2027: timing and tips
If you are planning Magdala 2027 dates now, think about the season first. Spring, from about March to May, brings green hills and mild weather. Autumn is also pleasant. Summer by the lake is hot and humid, so go early in the day.
Winter can bring rain, but it is also quieter, and the light over the water is beautiful. Christian holidays such as Easter and the July 22 feast of Mary Magdalene draw more pilgrims. Book ahead if your dates fall near those days.
Remember that Saturday is the Jewish Sabbath and Sunday is the main Christian worship day. Hours, services and traffic can be different on both. Entrance fees and opening times mentioned anywhere are current at the time of writing and can change in 2027, so always confirm on the official site.
Who Magdala suits
- Christian pilgrims who want a quiet place to pray with a view of the lake.
- History lovers curious about Jewish life in the time of the Second Temple.
- Families who want a short, easy walk rather than a long hike.
- First-time visitors who want to see real first-century ruins close up.
Magdala tours compared
Here are the tours from our team that best fit a visit to Magdala and the lake. Prices are per adult unless noted, and they can change, so check the tour page for the current price on your date.
| Tour | Best for | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christian Galilee Tour with the Magdala synagogue | Pilgrims who want Magdala included by name | Full day | from $105 |
| Nazareth and Sea of Galilee day tour | First-time visitors on a budget | Full day | from $98 |
| Private Nazareth and Sea of Galilee tour | Families and groups who want their own guide | Full day | from $1025 per group |
| Nazareth and Sea of Galilee 2 day tour | Travelers who want a slower pace and a night by the lake | 2 days | from $305 |
| Galilee, Golan, Caesarea and Nazareth 4 day tour | Travelers who want to see the whole north | 4 days | from $809 |
Christian Galilee Tour. This is our top pick for Magdala. The itinerary includes the first-century synagogue where Mary Magdalene is believed to have worshipped, along with other Gospel sites around the lake. It starts from Tel Aviv, Jerusalem or Herzliya.
Nazareth and Sea of Galilee day tour. A full day that covers Nazareth and the lakeshore. It is the lowest-priced way to see the region. Check the itinerary on the tour page to see which lake stops are included on your date.
Private tour. With your own guide and vehicle, you can ask us to build the day around Magdala, Tabgha and Capernaum. Hotel pickup is included, and it suits families or anyone who wants extra time for prayer.
Multi-day tours. The 2 day and 4 day tours give you hotel nights in the north, so you are not rushing back to the city. Ask us which stops are planned on your date. For more ideas, browse our tours and guides for northern Israel.
Day tours have free cancellation up to 36 hours before the start time. Tours that include hotels are non-refundable, so be sure of your dates before you book a multi-day trip.
Tours that include Magdala
Live prices and dates, hotel pickup on most tours, and a local team in Eilat that answers on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions about Magdala
How long do you need at Magdala?
Plan about 1 to 1.5 hours. That gives you time for the synagogue, the ritual baths, the market area and the Duc in Altum chapels. If you want to attend Mass or pray quietly, allow a little more.
How much does it cost to visit Magdala?
The site charges an entrance fee, and the price can change. Check the official Magdala website for the current rate before you go. On a guided tour, ask whether entry is included in the tour price.
Where is Magdala Israel located?
Magdala is on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, a short drive north of Tiberias. It sits next to the modern town of Migdal, on the road toward Tabgha and Capernaum.
Can you visit Magdala from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem?
Yes. Magdala works well as a full-day trip from Tel Aviv, Jerusalem or Herzliya. Our Christian Galilee Tour includes it and picks up from all three cities.
What is the Magdala Stone?
It is a carved stone block found in the center of the Magdala synagogue. It shows one of the earliest known carvings of a menorah from the time of the Second Temple. A replica stands on site, while the original is kept by the Israel Antiquities Authority.
What does Duc in Altum mean?
It is Latin for put out into the deep, the words Jesus speaks to Peter in Luke 5. The name fits the chapel, whose boat-shaped altar faces a window over the lake. It reminds visitors of the fishermen who first followed Jesus here.
Is there a dress code at Magdala?
Yes, for the chapels. Cover your shoulders and knees, as you would at any church in Israel. A light scarf in your bag is the easiest solution on a hot day.
Is Magdala worth visiting?
We think so, especially if you care about the Gospels or ancient history. It is one of the few places where you can stand inside a synagogue from the time of Jesus. It also sits right on the route to Tabgha and Capernaum, so it adds little travel time.
Keep planning
More travel guides for this trip
Plan your trip
We run Galilee trips every week, and Magdala is one of the stops our guests talk about most on the drive home. If you want the synagogue, the chapel and the lake in one easy day, book our Christian Galilee Tour from Tel Aviv, Jerusalem or Herzliya. For longer trips, explore all our northern Israel tours or our full travel guide library.
Have a question about dates, private groups or Mass at Duc in Altum? Message us on WhatsApp at 08-6338361 (international +972 8-633-8361) or email [email protected]. A real person from our team will help you plan the right day by the Sea of Galilee.
Cover photo: israel zellerישראל זלר, CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons