The name Cana [כפר קנה – قانا الجليل – كفر كنّا] originates from the Hebrew word “קנה” / Caneh / (Hebrew) meaning cane (plant). It is believed that in the past the area of Cana had many water springs and swamps surrounded with cane.

According to the Bible, Cana of Galilee, modern name Kafr Kanna, population of 8,500 that includes both Muslims and Christians, is a Galilean town located 9 km (5.6 miles) northeast of Nazareth, on the main road to Tiberias and refers to the site of Jesus’ first miracle of turning water into wine at a wedding:

“ 1 And the third day, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee: and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 And Jesus also was invited, and his disciples, to the marriage. 3 And the wine failing, the mother of Jesus saith to him: They have no wine. 4 And Jesus saith to her: Woman, what is that to me and to thee? my hour is not yet come. 5 His mother saith to the waiters: Whatsoever he shall say to you, do ye.

6 Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three measures apiece. 7 Jesus saith to them: Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And Jesus saith to them: Draw out now, and carry to the chief steward of the feast. And they carried it. 9 And when the chief steward had tasted the water made wine, and knew not whence it was, but the waiters knew who had drawn the water; the chief steward calleth the bridegroom, 10 And saith to him: Every man at first setteth forth good wine, and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse. But thou hast kept the good wine until now.

11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee; and manifested his glory, and his disciples believed in him.” (John 2:1-11)

It was also here in Cana that Jesus performed the miracle of healing the official’s son lying sick in Capernaum.

Crusaders have referred to Cana as Khirbet Cana (Ruins of Cana) that is located in the heart of Netufa valley on a steep hill. The ruins on the hill belong to an early Roman period village that, according to recent excavations, can’t be related to Christian or Jewish cultures.