Nazareth

1694. The great historical, geographical and poetical dictionary by Louis Moreri.

Nazareth, a Town of Galilee, in the Tribe of Zabulon, famous for Christ's abode there. It is 30 Leagues North of Jerusalem, on the side of a Mountain, where the Inhabitants have hewed out small Grotto's in a Rock, in form of Chambers, and before them a kind of a Hall, making the House consist of two Rooms, a Floor, and but one Story high. The Blessed Virgin's House was thus: The sore Room, from East to West, 26 Foot long, and 13 wide; the Door toward the South, and at the East-end a little Chimny, and on one side of it a little Cupboard in the Wall; on the West-side was a Window; the inner Room toward the North was 16 Foot long, and 5 and a half wide at one end, and 10 at another; the hight 10 Foot; and the Rom. Catholicks will have it, that after Christ's Ascension the Apostles turn'd this House into two Chappels, with an Altar in each; and so they continued till St. Helena's time, who inclosed them in a Magnificent Church, leaving them in their ancient simplicity. In 1291, Seraph Sultan of Egypt having subdued the Holy Land, destroyed the Town, levelled the Churches, and banished the Christians; at which time, they say, that Angels transported the Virgin's House first into Dalmatia, and three years after into Italy, placing it in a Field belonging to a Devout Lady, called Loretto; and eight Months and a half after moved it to a Neighbouring Hill; and then a little further, where it now stands. However, the Eastern Christians built a House, resembling it, afterwards in that same place whence it was taken; and there they pretend to shew you the House where the Virgin was born, and part of the Synagogue where our Saviour explain'd that passage of Isaiah concerning himself, Joseph's Shop, and the Well whence the Virgin had her Water, &c. This Town was afterward made an Archbishoprick, but now it's a poor ruinous Village, inhabited by Moors; and there is nothing to be seen but the Chappel and Cave which are kept by some Franciscans. Doubdan Voiage de la Terre Saint. Misson's Voiage into Italy. Emilian's Frauds of Monks, Priests, &c.