🌊 Sea of Galilee (Capernaum and Tabgha)
Israel
About This Sacred Site
The Sea of Galilee (Lake Kinneret) is the largest freshwater lake in Israel and the setting for many of the most famous events in the life of Jesus. Capernaum, on its northern shore, served as Jesus's home base during his Galilean ministry and is where he performed numerous healings. Tabgha, nearby, is the traditional site of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes and where Jesus appeared to his disciples after the resurrection. The Mount of Beatitudes, overlooking the lake, is where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. A first-century fishing boat discovered in 1986, now displayed in a museum, dates to the time of Jesus. The lake remains an active fishing ground, and pilgrim boats cross its waters daily.
Key Facts
- •The setting for many of Jesus's miracles including walking on water and calming the storm
- •A 2,000-year-old fishing boat (the 'Jesus Boat') was discovered in the lake mud in 1986
- •Capernaum was called 'the town of Jesus' and served as his ministry headquarters
- •The Church of the Multiplication at Tabgha has a famous 5th-century fish mosaic
- •At 209 meters below sea level, it is the lowest freshwater lake on Earth
Location
Coordinates: 32.8303, 35.5811
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