CANA IN GALILEE

The town is situated just northeast of Nazareth. It was the scene of Jesus’ first miracle: changing water into wine at a wedding feast (John 2:1, 11). Jesus was again in Cana when he told a nobleman that his son, who was seriously ill at Capernaum, would live (4:46). Cana was also the home of Nathanael, the disciple of Jesus (21:2).

What to see Today

Today the town is known as Kafr Kanna. Pilgrims to Cana love to visit the small Franciscan Wedding Church. The church has two levels. The upper church has a chapel surmounted by a simple dome. The lower church has a chapel and a small museum with artifacts from the site, including a winepress, a plastered cistern and vessels of various dates.

Old jar used for the miracle

One old jar is said to be one of the six jars used for the miracle. The facade is flanked by two bell towers.

Opposite the Franciscan Church is a Greek Orthodox Church that is usually closed.

A modern-day tradition is for couples to renew their wedding vows or propose marriage in Cana, with the Wedding Church as an unforgettable backdrop.

The local shop in Kafr Kanna sells "wedding wine" and related souvenirs.

How to get to Cana

The traditional site of Cana, revered as such since Byzantine and medieval times, is Kafr Kanna, about 6kms east of Nazareth on the main road from Nazareth to Tiberias. Look out for the churches on your right (about 100 m away) when travelling eastward throught the town.