The Maronite Catholic community in Nazareth has existed since the year 1620. Today in Nazareth, there are about 1,200 Maronites.
Church building
The Church of the Annunciation was built in the 21st century according to the latest architectural styles[which?]. The temple was built with reinforced concrete. The main dome is topped with an onion-shaped dome. To the side of the dome is a bell tower, on top of which stands a statue of the Virgin Mary. The interior is decorated with numerous sculptures and paintings by Italian painters Tese and Lamagna.[clarification needed]