Ancient Church Uncovered in Israel Reveals 1,400-Year-Old Pilgrimage Hub

Archaeologists from Ben-Gurion University have excavated a stunning 1,400-year-old church with colorful mosaics at Nitzana National Park in Israel. The discovery includes a hospice and bathhouse complex that served international pilgrims traveling to Mount Sinai during the Byzantine period.

BEER-SHEVA, Israel, March 16, 2026 – Archaeologists have uncovered a stunning 1,400-year-old church decorated with brilliantly preserved colorful mosaics at Nitzana National Park in Israel. The excavation, conducted by researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev’s Archaeology Department, provides extraordinary insight into the wealth and architectural sophistication of the Byzantine and Early Islamic eras spanning the 5th through 7th centuries CE.

The church floors showcase elaborate geometric designs, botanical motifs, and circular medallions created from small, brightly colored mosaic tiles. Combined with a newly discovered hospice and bathing facility complex, these findings demonstrate that Nessana once functioned as a thriving, prestigious religious center catering to local inhabitants and international pilgrims by the thousands.

Positioned along the main pathway leading to Saint Catherine Monastery and Mount Sinai, Nessana served as an essential waystation for worldwide travelers. Historical graffiti discovered at the location provides evidence of pilgrims journeying from distant lands including Georgia and Armenia, underscoring the area’s significance as an international hub for religious devotion and trade.

“The magnitude of the building projects and the opulence of the ornamental details indicate a thriving and prosperous religious establishment,” explains Prof. Yana Tchekhanovets from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev’s Archaeology Department. “Each excavation season uncovers additional hidden treasures buried within Nessana’s ruins, confirming its importance as an essential destination along the historic pilgrimage pathway.”

The BGU research team seeks to link Nessana’s archaeological evidence with its renowned historical collection known as the “Nessana Papyri,” which was found at this location a century ago. This combination of ancient documents and fresh archaeological discoveries enables scholars to piece together everyday existence in the Negev desert more than a thousand years ago with remarkable precision. Notable findings from the ongoing dig include a substantial hospice containing a bathhouse equipped with marble-lined tubs, the mosaic flooring, and the rediscovery of a Greek inscription establishing the church’s construction date to the early 7th century CE.

“The papyri and additional inscriptions discovered here confirm that pilgrims traveled to this location from numerous regions,” states Prof. Tchekhanovets. “Our work will continue revealing Nessana’s captivating mysteries and uncovering additional information about ancient life and travel patterns throughout the Negev.”

This investigation, funded by the Gerda Henkel Foundation, brings together international volunteers and BGU students, reflecting the University’s commitment to advancing historical knowledge and development within the Negev region. The excavation also received support from the Israel Nature and Parks Authority.