Bruno Pugh
Somewhere between the ancient scrolls and your next airport layover, there’s an overlap. A handful of biblical places are still standing today and are now integrated into modern life. They’ve seen prophets and kings, but also car horns and Wi-Fi. The past didn’t disappear in these 20 locations; it has a new face.
Jerusalem
Once an ancient hub mentioned throughout the chapters of Psalms, Jerusalem remains a major city today. Located in Israel, it blends historic sites with modern life. Visitors stroll through the Old City’s stone alleys and encounter bustling marketplaces that have been in operation for centuries.
Jericho
Jericho is situated on the West Bank and is recognized as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities. The “Book of Joshua” recounts its dramatic fall, an event corroborated by archaeological findings. You can visit excavation sites and experience a city shaped by thousands of years of history.
Nineveh
Once a vast city in Mesopotamia, Nineveh’s remains lie near Mosul, Iraq. Crumbling walls and restored gates mark its historical significance, as described in the pages of Jonah. While much of the site has suffered from conflict and time, ongoing archaeological efforts aim to preserve what is left.
Babylon
Babylon was once a thriving city in what is now Iraq. It still has ruins near the modern city of Hillah. Restorations and digs have uncovered city walls and remnants of ancient palaces. The site, discussed throughout the “Book of Daniel” in the Bible, stands as a reminder of an empire that shaped history.
Capernaum
Domiciled on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee in Israel, Capernaum is an archaeological site with well-preserved ruins. The remains of an ancient synagogue and stone streets provide insight into daily life from centuries past, often referenced in biblical accounts. Today, it is a popular tourist stop.
Sodom And Gomorrah
The exact locations remain debated, but many believe they were near the Dead Sea, possibly in modern-day Jordan or Israel. They were destroyed by divine fire, as told in the story of Lot in “Genesis.” Some explorers even point to ashen ruins and sulfur deposits as possible evidence of the cities’ existence.
Mount Sinai
Believed to be the site of noteworthy Biblical events, this next location is situated in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt. It is often associated with the account in the “Book of Exodus.” However, people argue that a similar mountain in Saudi Arabia could be the true location. Either way, it remains a major pilgrimage destination.
Ephesus
Ephesus, in modern-day Turkey, is one of the best-preserved ancient cities. You can explore massive theaters and the ruins of grand structures. Ephesus is also mentioned in the letters of John to the Seven Churches. The site attracts believers and history lovers from around the world.
Bethany
Now known as Al-Eizariya, Bethany is located just outside Jerusalem in the West Bank. The town has religious landmarks that have stood for centuries. Bethany is mentioned in the Bible, associated with key events in the life of Jesus. While modern life has changed the area, remnants of its past remain visible.
Megiddo
Megiddo, located in northern Israel, is an archaeological site with a rich history spanning thousands of years. Strategically located, it was a key city in ancient times and is highlighted in the “Book of Revelation.” Today, tourists can explore its ruins alongside the impressive views of the Jezreel Valley.
The Jordan River
Flowing between modern Jordan and Israel, the Jordan River remains an important biblical site. While now it’s smaller, this river still serves as a border between nations. Mentioned in the Gospels, its waters draw pilgrims and tourists alike, who reflect on its cultural value.
Corinth
Corinth, in Greece, is a place where ancient ruins coexist with a thriving modern town. It features impressive temples and theaters from different eras. Famously referenced in “Paul’s Letters to the Corinthians,” the city retains its spiritual depth, even as the nearby modern settlement continues to grow.
Mount Ararat
This massive peak in Turkey is famous for its imposing height and year-round snow cap. Some expeditions have searched for ancient remains here, as detailed in the narrative of Noah’s Ark in the “Book of Genesis.” Regardless of legend, the mountain is a breathtaking natural wonder that draws climbers and explorers.
Petra
Hidden in the cliffs of Jordan, Petra’s rock-cut structures are proof of ancient engineering. Once a trade hub, the city’s tombs and pathways remain largely intact. Some scholars link Petra to the biblical city of Sela, offering people a glimpse into a mysterious past.
Caesarea
Caesarea, located on Israel’s Mediterranean coast, features Roman ruins alongside modern seaside attractions. The remains of an ancient harbor, amphitheater, and aqueducts stand alongside luxury homes. It’s also featured in the “Book of Acts.”
The Dead Sea
Bordering Israel and Jordan, the Dead Sea’s mineral-rich waters continue to attract visitors. Famous for its extreme salinity, it allows swimmers to float effortlessly. Nearby, historical sites tied to stories from the “Book of Genesis” add to its significance, making it a one-of-a-kind destination.
Damascus
Damascus holds the title of one of the world’s longest continuously inhabited cities. Despite the passage of time, Damascus remains the capital of Syria. Its bustling souks and ancient walls meld well with modern infrastructure. The city’s surprising history is visible in its preserved sites and ongoing life.
Shechem
Now part of modern Nablus in the West Bank, Shechem’s ruins date back thousands of years. Surrounded by mountains and valleys, it remains a site of archaeological interest, revealing layers of past civilizations beneath today’s urban terrain.
Golgotha
Believed to be a notable historical site, Golgotha is in Jerusalem’s Old City. Some point to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre as its location, while others believe another rocky area is a better fit. Despite this, Golgotha remains a focal point for numerous explorers.
Nazareth
Once a quiet village prominently mentioned in the Gospels, Nazareth has grown into a major city in Israel. Historic landmarks peak through among modern businesses, creating a mix of old and new architecture. Tourism thrives here, with visitors exploring its winding streets and cultural heritage.