Field School: Cana of the Galilee The Site
 Khirbet Cana is located 8 miles northwest of Nazareth on the north side of the Bet Netofa Valley and is the most likely of three sites that Christian pilgrims identified as the Cana of the Galilee mentioned in the Gospel of John as the site of the marriage feast where Jesus turned water to wine (John 2:1-11; cf. John 4:46-54). Following the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans, the priestly course connected with Eliashib settled at Cana (Mishmaroth 11). The Jerusalem Talmud (Ter. 46B) mentions Cana as the origin of a famous 3rd-century robber, Eli of Cana. The tradition of the water to wine episode at this site may have continued when a Byzantine pilgrim church called the Church of the Master of the Feast was apparently located here.
Archaeological features at Cana
 Ancient walls, pottery, glass and other artifacts litter the site. A 1997 survey and 1998-2001 excavations led by Douglas R. Edwards found many building remains throughout Cana. Pottery ranges from the Early Bronze Age to 14th and 15th-century C.E. sherds suggesting that the village had a long life. Rock-cut tombs were found on the south and southeast side of the village as well as to the north, and numerous caves and cisterns dot the site. Recent finds include a Bronze Age cylinder seal and a gold leafed griffin.
On the west and east sides are located large building stones, possibly from a city wall. On top is a large wall (roughly 70 meters x 60 meters) that dates to the 6th century CE, probably a late defensive wall. The complex has a building on its west side, which may be the earliest Galilean synagoge yet discoverd. On the east side is a dovecote, possibly dating to the Roman period, a Byzantine storage area with steps, and a house or administrative building with pavement, under possibly from the Roman period. In addition, large pieces of bedrock were put on their side on bedrock for some mysterious reason, possibly as a result of 20th century rock quarrying. The site provides a strategic view of an important trade route, the Bet Netofa Valley and of the Wadi Yodefat, a wadi leading directly to Yodefat, or Jotapata, to the west.
On the south slope, 5th/6th century Christians visited a cave where they believed Jesus turned water to wine. Graffiti, two remnants of stone vessels, and an altar with crosses have been found. Three as yet unexcavated caves link with the pilgrim cave.
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