Nahariya Byzantine church struck by Hezbollah rocket welcomes visitors again after four months

The IAA noted previously that the attack had affected solely the modern protective structure at the location.

Man cleaning the Byzantine-era mosaic in Nahariya, taken in 2022; file photo.

(photo credit: YOLI SHWARTZ ISRAEL ANTIQUITIES AUTHORITY)

ByMIRIAM SELA-EITAM

AUGUST 6, 2026 15:13

The Byzantine-era church in Nahariya struck by a Hezbollah rocket in April has reopened to the public, according to a Monday night social media announcement from the Israel Antiquities Authority.

Over the following months, crews from the Nahariya municipality completed restoration work on the affected structure, allowing visitors to return to the site once more, the IAA stated.

Rediscovered by the municipality in 1964, the church features a vibrant mosaic floor from around 550 CE. After its original destruction by the Persians in 614 CE, the IAA spent two years carefully restoring it before the public opening in 2022.

The IAA had informed The Jerusalem Post at the time that the strike impacted only the modern protective structure.

An assessment by IAA archaeologists and conservators, joined by local municipality and Israel Tax Authority representatives, confirmed the mosaic floor remained undamaged despite debris from the protective structure.

Mosaic shows colorful animals and Christian symbols

Evidence of the original Persian destruction remains visible on the mosaic, with black and white staining in spots and substantial molten lead discovered at the location.

Covering more than 500 square meters, the mosaic displays rich hues of green, red, yellow, brown, white, and black.

It includes over 100 medallions, 87 of which remain intact, showing daily life scenes with animals, people, hunting, grapes, pomegranates, and Christian symbols.

A striking central rosette creates an optical three dimensional illusion and has endured nearly complete through the ages.

From the basilica decorations, it is clear the builder was wealthy and spent generously on construction, IAA regional director Kamil Sari noted in 2022, pointing to a Greek inscription crediting the archbishop of Tyre, now Sidon in Lebanon, with building the church.

The church complex stands on remains of an earlier temple dating back 4,500 years.

Judith Sudilovsky contributed to this story.