Mensa Christi Church, Nazareth

Belonging to the Franciscan Order, the Mensa Christi Church holds historical and religious significance, drawing pilgrims since the 17th century. The church is presently inactive.

What distinguishes the Mensa Christi Church is a substantial stone table housed within its premises. This table is traditionally identified as the one around which Jesus and his disciples dined. A similar tradition associates a renowned table with the Saint Peter Church on the coast of the Sea of Galilee. Consequently, there are two Mensa Christi churches in Israel, both associated with this significant table.

The table, crafted from limestone, has undergone renovations and preservation efforts over the years. Christian pilgrims, following the custom of breaking small pieces of the stone as souvenirs or engraving their names on it, have contributed to its preservation. In an attempt to safeguard the stone, it was initially enclosed with an iron shed, which was later removed by Muslims in 1645. Since 1659, some pilgrims have claimed to observe sunken marks on the stone resembling those on Jesus' body.

In the late 18th century, a chapel was constructed within the church premises. Subsequently, in 1861, the church underwent reconstruction and began hosting regular masses. The Mensa Christi Church boasts deceptive paintings, intricate molding artworks, and a marble altar, all crafted in the Italian style. The frontal facade of the church features a sizable oil painting on canvas, signed by the Italian painter Leonardo Di Mango in 1876.

Historically, a spring known as "Jesus Spring" or "The Messengers Spring" was located adjacent to the Mensa Christi, mentioned as early as 1626. Muslims referred to it as "Ein El-Jadidda" (The New Spring), highlighting its rejuvenating flow during the winter. However, the spring ceased to flow in 1921. Despite its current inactive status, the Mensa Christi Church remains a testament to the rich history and religious heritage of Nazareth.