Christian Sites at the Sea of Galilee

There are many different types of Galilee tours which take you to northern Israel. Some of these tours specifically focus on Christian landmarks around the Sea of Galilee. Most people remember the story of Jesus walking on water, well that was here at the Sea of Galilee. However not everyone knows how many other Biblical scenes took place by this inland sea.

The Sea of Galilee

The freshwater Sea of Galilee (in Hebrew: Kinneret) measures about 53 km in circumference. It is about 21 km long and 13 km wide covering an area of 166.7 km². The Kinneret is the second lowest lake in the world after the Dead Sea. Water enters the lake from underground springs and the Jordan River which enters the lake in the north and flows out in the south. Today the shores of the Sea of Galilee feature small communities, kibbutzim and the largest city on the lake shore – Tiberias. The Sea of Galilee is also a vacation and recreation destination with many beaches, camp grounds, hotels and watersport opportunities.

Christian Sites on the Edge of the Sea of Galilee

1. Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fish

In the small community of Tabgha on the western shore of the Kinneret is the site where Jesus shared just a few loaves and fish with a multitude of followers. A 5th century church commemorates this site and features restored mosaic floors.

2. Church of St Peter’s Primacy 

Also located in Tabgha is the site where Jesus appeared to his Apostles after his resurrection. Here Jesus bestowed on Peter preeminence over the church.

3. The Mount of Beatitudes

The Mount of Beatitudes overlooks the Sea of Galilee and today is crowned with a beautiful church. It was on the slopes of this mount that Jesus is believed to have given the Sermon on the Mount. The church we see today was built in the 1930s and designed by renowned architect Antonio Barhuzzi.

4. Yardenit

This is a baptismal site on the River Jordan  at the southern point of the Sea of Galilee.Although experts now believe that Jesus was baptized  at a different location along  the Jordan River it is still  one of the traditional baptismal sites. Christians on a Galilee tour often stop here to be baptized in the same river that John baptized Jesus.The river is accessible  with stairs and railings. There are many other Christian landmarks to see in the Galilee including Nazareth, Cana, Mount Tabor  and Capernaum.
Don’t miss a trip to the Galilee when you are in Israel.