Of course the Bible doesn't tell us where Mary was when she received the news, but the traditional story of Mary's Well is generally accepted.  Scholars can argue about location, but they must agree this well was the only source of water during those days.

There are several biblical stories of women who went to wells to draw water and had life-altering experiences.  Rebekah's trip led to her marriage to Isaac (Genesis 24).  The Samaritan woman (John 4) came at an unusual time of day (noon, when fewer people would be present) and ended up confronting the Messiah.

According to the story, Jesus, who was resting at the well, asked the woman for water.  Because He was Jewish and she was Samaritan (bitter enemies), the woman questioned His request.  We can imagine the crinkle around His eyes as He said to her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water." (John 4:10 NIV)  Before their conversation had come to an end, He explained to her:

"Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." (John 4:13,14 -- NIV)

Coming to the well for these two women meant life would never be the same.

Falling In

Today in a catacomb of an elaborate church known as St. Gabriel's Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, a first century spring of water continues to flow.  One can walk from the square where Mary's Well stands, through the Grotto of St. Gabriel's and into the cool sanctuary of the church.  The architecture is rich and dark.  It's easy to feel transported within these hallowed walls and to imagine a young virgin coming to this very area to fetch water for her family.  But is it accurate?