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Excursion to the Churches Around the Sea of Galilee

In the northwest of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus began his three-year mission and laid the foundation of Christianity. Here, Jesus delivered his first sermons, performed his miracles, and gathered his first disciples who later became his apostles around the world. Today, you can visit beautiful churches dedicated to events that occurred two thousand years ago, set in peaceful gardens along the shores of the Sea of Galilee. These churches, lovingly maintained by their clergy, offer a wonderful opportunity to understand the Christian world better.
To fully enjoy the atmosphere of these places, we recommend spending a night on the shore of the Sea of Galilee in a guesthouse or simply pitching a tent on the beach (Hakuk Beach).

• Vehicle Type: Standard Vehicle
• Location: Northwest Shore of the Sea of Galilee
• Route Length: Approx. 9 km
• Duration: 4-6 hours
• Starting Point: Kfar Nahum Junction
• Ending Point: Ein Ayub Waterfall
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Season: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter

Route

The route begins at the Kfar Nahum Junction (intersection of roads No. 87 and No. 90). To reach the Church of the Beatitudes, drive 3 km along road No. 90. On the right side, you will see a sign (turning onto road No. 8177). Other attractions are located along the coastal road No. 87.

Church of the Beatitudes

This beautiful church is located on top of a hill with breathtaking views of the Sea of Galilee, the Golan Heights, and Galilee. According to Christian tradition, Jesus delivered the "Sermon on the Mount" here, also known as the "Sermon of the Beatitudes." It is also where he selected the 12 apostles.
The church was built between 1936 and 1938, designed by the Italian architect Antonio Barluzzi. The building is octagonal, symbolizing the eight beatitudes. The complex also includes a monastery, a farm run by the Italian mission, and a Franciscan hostel.

Birthplace of Christianity

We continue our route along Road No. 87 heading east. The ancient city of Capernaum, located in the northwest of Galilee, was the center of Jesus' activities: here he met the first apostles, preached in its synagogue, and performed many miracles in the surrounding area.
He walked on water, calmed storms, cast out demons, and healed the sick here.

When Christianity became the dominant religion in the Roman Empire, Christians sanctified these places and built churches on them. These churches were likely destroyed during the Persian invasion, and over time, their exact locations were lost. At the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century, the sites were rediscovered. Some lands in the area were purchased by various Christian associations, and new churches were built on the ruins of the old ones. Tabgha, the Mount of Beatitudes, and Capernaum together form the "Holy Triangle" that commemorates Jesus.

The Church of the Multiplication – Tabgha

One of the holiest places for pilgrims. According to Christian sources, Jesus performed a great miracle here, feeding 5,000 people with five loaves and two fish. The church features an ancient mosaic floor depicting the miracle as well as the flora and fauna of the Sea of Galilee.

The Church of the Multiplication – Tabgha

One of the holiest places for pilgrims. According to Christian sources, Jesus performed a great miracle here, feeding 5,000 people with five loaves and two fish. The church features an ancient mosaic floor depicting the miracle as well as the flora and fauna of the Sea of Galilee.

Church of the Primacy of St. Peter

South of Tabgha lies the Franciscan Church of the Primacy of St. Peter (Mensa Domini). According to Christian sources, Jesus revealed himself to the disciples here after the crucifixion and appointed St. Peter as his first envoy, making Peter the first pope.
The church was built around a natural stone on which Jesus is said to have shared a meal with his disciples. The basalt stone temple is located on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Soft, colorful light filters through stained glass windows. Inside is an image showing the Pope kneeling before a rock where Jesus and his envoy stood, with a wooden boat in the background.

Kfar Nahum National Park

Excavations in this area have revealed the remains of an ancient fishing village, including a pier and residential buildings. Among the remnants is an ancient synagogue, one of the largest and most magnificent in Israel. The synagogue is built of marble and white limestone and adorned with various Jewish symbols as well as plant and animal motifs. According to Christian sources, Jesus delivered his sermons here. Next to the synagogue is the house of Apostle St. Peter, where Jesus stayed while in Capernaum. Over the remains of the house stands a modern church that attracts thousands of pilgrims.

The Hidden Ein Ayub Waterfall

Between the Capernaum promenade and Tabgha (and the Church of St. Peter's Gospel), a staircase leads to the shores of the Sea of Galilee. If not for the parked cars, it would be impossible to guess that the staircase leads to Ein Ayub – a hidden waterfall. The staircase passes through the northern fence of St. Peter's monastery, where you need to turn right at the top, and the waterfall is immediately visible. Jewish sources say that the school of Job was in Tiberias. An old Arabic source claims that Job recovered from fever caused by the devil with the waterfall's water. And here, on the shore of a beautiful lake, at a site where Jewish, Christian, and Muslim traditions converge, we end our journey.

Useful Information

Entry to the churches is allowed only in modest clothing, without sleeveless shirts or shorts. Men should remove their hats. Visitors should behave respectfully and politely toward the faithful.
The Church of the Beatitudes is open from Sunday to Saturday, 08:00–12:00 and 14:30–17:00.
The Church of the Multiplication is open Monday to Saturday, 08:00–17:00, and on Saturdays from 08:00–15:00.
The Church of the Primacy of St. Peter is open all week, 08:00–16:00.
The Kfar Nahum National Park is open all week, 08:00–16:00. Entry is subject to a fee.