The site has been an important pilgrimage destination, and an important visit for pilgrims on their Christian tour to Israel. The central grotto of the church is believed to have been the home of Mary, and the modern church was built in 1969 on the archeological site of the crusader and Byzantine remains. The church is truly a must for those of Christian faith, and specially for Catholic and Orthodox pilgrims.
The Basilica is topped with a beautifully-shaped dome 55 meters high. It’s inspiring shape is based on the Madonna lily, a symbol of the Virgin Mary. Within the church you will find an upper level and lower level church. The upper level church displays mosaics of Virgin Mary’s around the world. This is very popular with Catholics traveling to the Holy Land. The lower level church focuses on the Grotto, the Cave of the Annunciation, where the angel Gabriel announced to Mary the news from God. On this same area you will find archeological remains of the Byzantine and Crusader churches that preceded the present Basilica.
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Hail, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 And Mary said to the angel, “How shall this be, since I have no husband?” 35 And the angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. 36 And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing will be impossible.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.