Magdala

What Magdala does

Magdala (legal entity: Magdala Tourist Center Ltd., registered in Israel) is a Catholic-Christian pilgrimage site and media organization operating on the shores of the Sea of Galilee in Migdal, Israel, with activity traceable to 2010. Its physical footprint centers on an archaeological park featuring a first-century synagogue and the Magdala Stone, the Duc In Altum sanctuary (a Catholic worship space whose tabernacle was blessed by Pope Francis in May 2014), and the Magdala Guesthouse for pilgrim accommodations. The site holds particular significance as the traditional hometown of Mary Magdalene and as the location of archaeological excavations (2010–2017) led by Anáhuac Mexico University, the results of which were published in November 2025 as Volume I of 'Ancient Magdala.'

The organization's core offerings span physical pilgrimage infrastructure, media production, and community programs. Digital products include a 40-episode virtual pilgrimage ('Pilgrimage of Paul: Apostle of Hope'), the Lent series 'Pilgrimage of the Kingdom: Seven Parables,' weekly email meditations, a 360-degree virtual tour, and a YouTube content library. The onsite Volunteer Program has engaged over 3,500 individuals from 35+ countries since 2010, serving in archaeology, hospitality, tours, guest services, and media. Leadership includes Fr. Juan María Solana, L.C., as the senior spiritual figure, with the organization institutionally affiliated with the Legionaries of Christ/Regnum Christi movement.

Magdala's business model is multi-stream and donation-anchored. Revenue derives from charitable contributions (processed via Stripe, PayPal, and Fundraise Up and managed through DonorPerfect), guesthouse bookings, ecommerce (Holy Land Shop with worldwide shipping and a separate Mexico-domestic shop), the Magdala Mosaic donor recognition program, Mass Intentions, and paid events including the annual Encounter Magdala (for young adults) and the Rabbuni Magdala pilgrimages (with the 2026 edition scheduled for Kraków, Poland, July 19–26). Virtual pilgrimages are freemium/email-delivered. Primary customer segments are Catholic/Christian pilgrims, adult volunteers aged 18–70, the global Magdala Family donor community, and youth groups.

Name

Magdala

Legal name

Magdala Tourist Center Ltd.

Website

https://magdala.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Magdala is a Catholic-Christian pilgrimage site and media organization on the Sea of Galilee in Israel, serving pilgrims, volunteers from 35+ countries, and a global donor community through its archaeological park, sanctuary, guesthouse, events, and virtual pilgrimage programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Religious Pilgrimage & Holy Land Tourism

NAICS

Historical Sites (712120), Historical Sites (71212), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)

SIC

Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000)

akta.pro primary industry

Religious Landmarks & Pilgrimage Sites (Temples, Churches, Shrines) (THAJACAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Christian Pilgrimage & Holy Land Tour Operators (THAKAHAB), Religious & Sacred Sites Tours (THAJAAAF), Places of Worship & Religious Facilities Operations (Cemeteries, Retreat Centers, Pilgrimage Sites) (BPAGAJAL), Faith-Based Group Travel (Church/Mosque/Temple) Organizers (THAKAHAH)

Keywords

• Religious pilgrimage site
• Archaeological park services
• Catholic sanctuary worship
• Holy land tourism
• Spiritual media content

Headquarters

HQ city

Migdal

HQ country

Israel

HQ region

Middle East

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Contributions: Magdala relies heavily on donations from supporters worldwide to continue developing the Holy Site, uncover archaeological treasures, and host onsite and media programs.
2. Guesthouse/Hospitality: The Magdala Guesthouse provides accommodations for pilgrims and visitors seeking a serene and immersive experience blending natural beauty with historical heritage and spirituality.
3. Holy Land Shop: Retail operations selling religious and commemorative items through worldwide shipping and a Mexico-specific shop.
4. Magdala Mosaic: Donor recognition program offering members various benefits and community involvement opportunities.
5. Events and Pilgrimages: Annual Encounter Magdala events and Rabbuni Magdala pilgrimages including the 2026 event in Krakow, Poland.
6. Virtual Pilgrimage Subscriptions: Free email-based virtual pilgrimage programs with complementary materials delivered daily during Lent and other seasons.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Magdala operates an archaeological park and Catholic pilgrimage center on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, offering onsite experiences including the first-century synagogue, Magdala Stone, and Duc In Altum sanctuary. The organization also provides guesthouse accommodations, volunteer programs, and digital media products including virtual pilgrimages, podcasts, and video programs to reach a global Catholic and Christian audience.

Product overview

Magdala offers a comprehensive pilgrimage and spiritual experience portfolio centered on the Holy Land site of Mary Magdalene. The core offerings include the Archaeological Park featuring the first-century synagogue and Magdala Stone discoveries, the Duc In Altum Catholic sanctuary for worship and spiritual reflection, and the Magdala Guesthouse for accommodations. Media products include virtual pilgrimages (Pilgrimage of Paul: Apostle of Hope, Pilgrimage of Kingdom: Seven Parables, Recorriendo la Tierra Santa), video programs (The Footprints of Jesus, Live from the Holy Land, Pray with Magdala, Magdala Experience), and a 360-degree virtual tour. Community programs encompass the Volunteer Program (3,500+ volunteers from 35+ countries since 2010), the annual Encounter Magdala event for youth, the Magdala Family community network, and the Magdala Journal publication. Supporting services include the Magdala Shop ecommerce platform, Mass Intentions, donor recognition (Magdala Mosaic), and visitor planning resources.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 3,500 volunteers served from 35+ countries since 2010

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Anáhuac Mexico UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2025The Mexican archaeological expedition conducted excavations at Magdala from 2010-2017, led by Anáhuac Mexico University. The partnership resulted in the publication of 'Ancient Magdala: Archaeological Excavations (2010-2017), Volume I: Daily Life, First Interpretations' edited by Marcela Zapata-Meza, published in November 2025.
• ArcheopressminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAcademic publisher distributing the 'Ancient Magdala' archaeological publication series, making the research available through their distribution channels.
• Notre Dame of Jerusalem CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates with the Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center for spiritual programs and volunteer activities. Kathleen Nichols serves both at Magdala and the Notre Dame Center, facilitating cross-program participation and content sharing.
• Regnum Christi MovementcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMagdala is connected to the Legionaries of Christ/Regnum Christi movement. Fr. Juan Solana, L.C. leads Magdala, and Kathleen Nichols is a consecrated woman of Regnum Christi who leads virtual pilgrimages. The movement provides spiritual leadership and community support.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• Regnum Christi: The international Catholic movement affiliated with the Legionaries of Christ that provides Magdala's spiritual leadership and a global member network. Relevant as the parent religious ecosystem driving Magdala's leadership pipeline, donor base, and community-program model.

Direct peers

• Basilica of the Annunciation (Nazareth): One of the largest Christian worship sites in the Holy Land and a flagship destination for Catholic pilgrimages in Galilee/Nazareth. Operated by the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land, it competes directly with Magdala for Galilee-region pilgrim itineraries and visitor attention.
• Capernaum National Park: Adjacent Sea of Galilee archaeological and pilgrimage site featuring a first-century synagogue, often included in the same Galilee pilgrim circuit as Magdala. Operated as a national park by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, it competes for the same archaeological-tourism segment.
• Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center: A Catholic pilgrim guesthouse, conference, and spiritual formation center located in Jerusalem's Old City, offering accommodations, retreats, and programming directly comparable to Magdala's guesthouse and Duc In Altum ministry. Already a strategic partner of Magdala (Fr. Fernando Morales and Kathleen Nichols span both organizations), it is the closest operational analog.
• 206 Tours (Catholic Pilgrimage Tour Operator): A US-based Catholic tour operator specializing in group pilgrimages to the Holy Land and other religious sites. Comparable as a competitor for end-pilgrim trip bookings and as a potential channel partner that could include Magdala on group itineraries.

Broad incumbents

• EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network): The largest Catholic media network in the world, producing television, radio, and digital content for global Catholic audiences. Directly comparable to Magdala's virtual pilgrimage, podcast, and YouTube programming in mission and audience, but at vastly larger scale.
• Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land: The Catholic Church's historic operator of the most important Holy Land shrines (Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Church of the Nativity, Basilica of the Annunciation). It is the dominant incumbent in the religious-pilgrimage site category in which Magdala competes, with vastly greater scale and brand recognition.
• Israel National Parks Authority: The state body managing Israel's nature reserves and archaeological heritage sites open to visitors, including Capernaum, Beit She'an, and other Galilee attractions adjacent to Magdala. It is both a potential collaboration partner and a competitor for archaeological-tourism visitors in the same region.
• Church of the Holy Sepulchre: The preeminent Christian pilgrimage site globally, shared by six Christian denominations in Jerusalem's Old City. While not a direct operational peer (multi-denominational governance), it dominates the Holy Land pilgrimage market and sets visitor expectations Magdala must meet or differentiate against.

Regional players

• Holy Land Tourism Operators (e.g., Bein Harim Tourism): Israeli-based tour operators and ground handlers that package Galilee and Holy Land day-trips, often including Magdala as a stop. Comparable as both a channel partner (driving guesthouse and visitor-center traffic) and a competitor for tour-group spending.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/MagdalaEnglish
• Xx.com/magdala_galilee
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/experiencemagdala

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Magdala