Khirbet Qana Ruins
Ancient archaeological site identified with biblical Cana
Archaeological site in Israel's Northern District identified by some scholars with biblical Cana; visitors inspect Byzantine remains, excavations and local Christian pilgrimage routes.
Khirbet Qana at a Glance#
About Khirbet Qana#
Khirbet Qana is an archaeological site in Israel’s Northern District that is identified by many scholars and visitors with the biblical Cana of Galilee. The site contains remains from antiquity and is part of the landscape of Galilean archaeological sites.
Excavations at the site have exposed remains of an ancient village including built structures and burial features dating to the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine eras; these remains are the primary draw for visitors interested in biblical archaeology. The site is visited for its archaeological ruins and its association with New Testament traditions.
Archaeological work has shown occupation in antiquity and produced material that links the site to the wider settlement patterns of Galilee in the Hellenistic-Roman period. Over time the site fell out of major use and survives today as a ruin with archaeological trenches and exposed foundations.
The site lies in Lower Galilee in northern Israel, near the modern village of Kafr Kanna and within the administrative Northern District.
- Location: Located in the Lower Galilee region of northern Israel, close to the modern village of Kafr Kanna and within the administrative Northern District.
How to Get to Khirbet Qana#
Khirbet Qana lies in the northern district of Israel, reachable by car from Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee. Local roads connect the site to regional towns; public buses serve nearby villages but final access may require a short taxi or walk.
Tips for Visiting Khirbet Qana#
- Visit during daylight hours and check opening times with local authorities; the site is archaeological and may have restricted access at times.
- Combine a visit with nearby Nazareth and Capernaum for a fuller historical route around the Galilee.
- Wear sensible shoes; stone surfaces can be uneven and slippery after rain.
Best Time to Visit Khirbet Qana#
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable for walking and photography; summer can be hot and crowded around other Galilee sites.
Weather & Climate near Khirbet Qana#
Khirbet Qana's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 6°C to 31°C. Moderate rainfall (603 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | 7° - 15° | 11° | 157 mm | partly cloudy | 71% | 3.0 m/s | 0.5 low | 10.1h |
| February | Good | 7° - 16° | 11° | 115 mm | partly cloudy | 72% | 2.8 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 10.9h |
| March | Very Good | 9° - 19° | 14° | 73 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 3.0 m/s | 1.2 high | 11.9h |
| April | Excellent | 12° - 23° | 17° | 27 mm | some cloud | 73% | 2.9 m/s | 1.7 very high | 12.9h |
| May | Ideal | 15° - 27° | 21° | 8 mm | mostly sunny | 73% | 3.2 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 13.7h |
| June | Ideal | 19° - 30° | 24° | 0 mm | clear | 74% | 3.3 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 14.1h |
| July | Ideal | 21° - 31° | 26° | 0 mm | clear | 74% | 3.4 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 13.9h |
| August | Ideal | 21° - 31° | 26° | 0 mm | clear | 74% | 3.2 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 13.2h |
| September | Ideal | 20° - 30° | 25° | 1 mm | clear | 70% | 3.0 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.2h |
| October | Ideal | 17° - 27° | 22° | 20 mm | mostly sunny | 68% | 2.2 m/s | 1.2 high | 11.2h |
| November | Very Good | 12° - 22° | 17° | 77 mm | mostly sunny | 64% | 2.5 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 10.4h |
| December | Good | 8° - 16° | 12° | 125 mm | partly cloudy | 68% | 2.4 m/s | 0.5 low | 9.9h |
