According to tradition, the Cana Wedding Church marks the site of Jesus’s first miracle. As the story goes, during a wedding celebration attended by Jesus, the hosts ran out of wine. In response, Jesus miraculously transformed jars of water into wine, saving the festivities. This event is explicitly mentioned in the gospel, establishing the significance of the location where Jesus performed his first miracle.
The Miracle of Turning Water into Wine
The miracle at Cana, as recounted in John 2:2-11, describes how Jesus transformed water into wine during a wedding celebration:
“On the third day, a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, ‘They have no more wine.’
‘Woman, why do you involve me?’ Jesus replied. ‘My hour has not yet come.’
His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’ Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.
Jesus said to the servants, ‘Fill the jars with water,’ so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, ‘Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.’ They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew.
Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, ‘Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.’
What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first sign through which he revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him.”
Important History
The church, inaugurated in 1879, holds relics dating back to the 3rd-4th century, possibly including remains of the synagogue where the wedding took place. Originally a Jewish ceremony, the addition of “Catholic” signifies the responsibility of the Christian order overseeing the church.
This event not only marks Jesus’s first miracle but also solidifies Mary’s role as a mediator between her son and humanity, emphasizing her significance in Christian prayer.
The church was established by the Franciscan Order in 1897. It was constructed on the foundation of a synagogue. Its design features two towers symbolizing the union of bride and groom.
Within the church’s crypt lies a large stone basin, encased in glass, representing one of the six water pots used during the wedding feast.
Basic Information
church name The Wedding Church Cana
Address Kfar Cana
Map
Christianity order: Roman-Catholic, Franciscan
Year of build: 1987
Arrival options
| Bus lines | 22,24,26 lines from Nazareth |
| Car | Find parking in the neighboring streets. |
Accessibility
Only the first floor is accessible, need help getting up the wheelchairs two stairs. However, the crypt is not accessible.
Telephone No: 972-4-6517011.
There is a public toilet, but it is not suitable for wheelchairs.
Near site activities
My experience
The church, while not large, is remarkably impressive, especially due to the presence of archaeological remnants, notably the large ancient water jar. Additionally, those interested can arrange for a wedding renewal ceremony in advance, receiving a formal renewal document as a keepsake. Feel free to send us a direct message to facilitate this arrangement.
Moreover, for wine enthusiasts, there are several esteemed wine shops conveniently located in front of the church. Be sure to explore these offerings during your visit!
