Emmaus Nicopolis

Environs of Jerusalem. Emmaus (El-Kubebeh) — Photochrom, Library of Congress · no known restrictions on publication

In the Bible

Two disciples walking to Emmaus were joined by Jesus, but they did not recognize Him; at the table He broke the bread, their eyes were opened, and they knew Him.

Luke 24:13–16That same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. And as they talked and deliberated, Jesus Himself came up and walked along with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him.

Luke 24:28–31As they approached the village where they were headed, He seemed to be going farther. But they pleaded with Him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” So He went in to stay with them. While He was reclining at the table with them, He took bread, spoke a blessing and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Jesus—and He disappeared from their sight.

Tradition

Several places claim Emmaus. Most manuscripts of Luke give sixty stadia from Jerusalem, some a hundred and sixty; Nicopolis, venerated since the 4th century, fits the longer. Others: El-Qubeibeh, Abu Ghosh, Motza.

Here today

Ruins of a Byzantine basilica with mosaics and of a Crusader church, in a park looked after by the Community of the Beatitudes.

Before you travel, check your country’s travel advice. Opening hours and the rules of the sites change — see their official pages.

Land outlines: Natural Earth (public domain).