Cana is the traditional site of the wedding feast where Jesus performed his first miracle of turning water into wine (John 2: 1-11). It is also mentioned later in John as a place where Jesus heals a royal official’s son (John 4:46) and the hometown of the disciple Nathaneal (also called Bartholomew) (John 21:2).
The Jesus Trail passes through the modern town of Cana, which is located on the traditional site of the wedding feast. The Franciscan Wedding Church was built in 1879 at the location where ancient stone jars were discovered, which can be viewed in the lower level. It is possible for couples to renew their wedding vows here, with a certificate available in a variety of languages. The nearby Greek Orthodox Church includes a tranquil courtyard and peaceful sanctuary, flanked by its own stone jars.
There are several other candidates for the biblical site of Cana, including a likely hill of ruins known as khirbet Cana (or “ruins of Cana”).
The modern town of Cana is known for its many wine and souvenir stores, tasty pomegranate wine, and traditional Arab cuisine.
