We will drive to the northern side of the Sea of Galilee to visit the most holy Christian sites around the lake.
We start our tour at Magdala, the hometown of Mary Magdalene. This small Jewish village is now an archaeological park and Catholic Center. It is especially known for the 2009 discovery of a synagogue from the first century CE. In fact, it is possible that Mary Magdalene attended services in this very synagogue, and perhaps it was here where she heard Jesus preaching for the first time.
On 1986, when water level was low, the people of Magdala found a rare discovery – wooden boat proved to be of a first century CE fishing boat. Known as the “Jesus Boat”. This exceptional discovery is now on display in Kibbutz Genosar nearby.
The most significant site in the area for the Christian faith is undoubtedly Capernaum. About 2,000 years ago, Jesus settled in this small fishing village and laid the foundation of the Christian faith. We will review the main archaeological discoveries of the site. Among others we will visit Capernaum’s ancient synagogue and its Byzantine-era church.
We will also visit the site where Jesus performed the miracle of the multiplication of loaves and fish, and near it, the chapel marking where Peter was appointed to lead the early church, making him the first pop.
On the hill above, we will visit the octagonal church that marks the site of the ‘Sermon on the Mount.’ Known also as “Mount of Beatitudes”.
For lunch we can consider ordering “Saint Peter’s Fish” in one of the local restaurants.
Joining a short sail on the Sea of Galilee is a possibility.
