It is a common mistake to visualize Galilee as a small area of country bordering on a lake. In fact it is one of the largest regions of Israel. For travellers who have arrived at Haifa by boat, the first introduction to Galilee will probably be Nazareth. This is a pity because Nazareth is the one black spot in the whole district. Commercialism has reached such heights there that the street vendors have degenerated from nuisance to menace.

Inside the Franciscan enclosure, however, all is well, and the pilgrim kneeling in the grotto of the annunciation forgets any rabble outside. Two pillars mark the places where our Lady and the angel Gabriel stood, and beside the altar of the tiny chapel is a grille through which the rest of the primitive house can be seen.