Basilica of the Transfiguration, Mount Tabor, Galilee, Holy Land, Israel

The Basilica of the Transfiguration is a Franciscan basilica on Mount Tabor in Galilee in the Holy Land, Israel. It was built with an orientation to the east in 1924 by the Franciscans who had the field since their installation in 1631, where Christian tradition says there was the event of the Transfiguration of Christ alongside Moses and the prophet Elijah, in favor of Pierre, Jacques and Jean. The Basilica is on the ruins of another Christian church that was built between the fourth century and the sixth century but also another church built in the twelfth century by the Crusaders. There is also a Franciscan monastery that was erected with the basilica. In the proximities of this basilica, there are another Greek Orthodox church that was built by evoking the same event of the Transfiguration. The road route for the transportation of materials needed for construction, is used today by pilgrims visiting the basilica. The entrance to the site is by the door of the Wind or Bab el-Hawa, old vestige of the Muslim fortress of the thirteenth century. The sanctuary has three new, large arc between the two towers in its facade and bronze doors. The nave is separated by the side of the vault arches and overlooks a staircase carved into the rock that goes down to the crypt. The scene of the Transfiguration is represented at the bottom in the choir. You can also see the remains of the previous masonry on the walls.

Tips

From the top of the mount, you might enjoy a magnificent view of cultivated fields of the plain of Esdraelon.

Doha – Qatar, The pearl of the desert (from our 7 wonders cities)

Located on the Persian Gulf on a magnificent cornice of 7 km, Doha is Qatar’s largest city with about one million inhabitants. This town with impressive infrastructure, is also a land of contrasts where in a few minutes you go from a shopping center to the old souks tucked behind the cornice. In this maze of shops and stalls, you will discover not only the Qatari soul, but a fascinating craft gold items. As in any Arab country, do not forget to bargain or you pass for a pedant without good manners!

Tips

The Museum of Islamic Art alone justifies the visit of Doha, call by the Qataris, the pearl of the desert. It’s built on an artificial island and houses a collection of the 7th to the 19th century. Also, worth seeing, located just off Al Ahmed Street, the Gold Souk, with its charming small jewelries shops, is one of the most attractive places in Doha.