New Testament Sites

Four of the most significant stories in Christian history are set in the steep hills sur-! rounding the northern coast of the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee). According to the New Testament, when Jesus walked on water, he walked on the Kinneret. (Today, youi can only waterski.) On the Mount of Beatitudes, overlooking sea, field, and town, Jesus gave his Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5).

A church, funded by Mussolini, of all people, now stands on the Mount. Its octagonal shape recalls Jesus’ eight beatitudes. Shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. To reach the Mount, take bus #459, 541, or 963 from Tiberias; get off at the second stop after the bus turns uphill away from the lake. From here, a sign points the way to the church, lkm along a side road. (Church open daily 8am-noon and 2:3O-5pm. Free.) From the Mount, you can walk to the ancient town of Capernaum by following the path down to the coastal road.

Continue northeast along the shoreline for 3krn and turn at the white sign post. The site is down the road. This is where Jesus healed Simon’s mother-in-law and the Roman Centurion’s servant (Luke 4:31-37 and 7:1′ 10). This is also the birthplace of Peter; the ruins of a 5th-century octagonal church over the site, believed to be that of Peter’s house. Today, a modem church arches over the ruins. Nearby, the ruins of a synagogue, perched between the old town and jhe Sea of Galilee, contain Corinthian columns and friezes dating from the 2nd century AD. Since Capernaum did not participate in the Jewish revolts, the city was left alofe by the Romans as they systematically destroyed other similar towns in the region in retribution. Modest dress required. (Open daily 8:3Oam-4:15pm. Admission NIS2.)