Christian Holy Sites in the Galilee
The Galilee area is where Jesus grew up and began his teachings. Many of the miracles that He performed were in this region. In addition, there are several well-known Christian holy sites in the Galilee area.
Yardenit
The revered Baptismal site of Yardenit (meaning “little Jordan” in Hebrew) is visited by many thousands of Christian pilgrims every year when touring the Holy Land. Many of them choose to have second baptisms or rededications at this charming location.
Yardenit is located in a beautiful setting on the banks of the Jordan River, near where the river flows out of the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea. It is set amongst splendid eucalyptus trees and other natural river plant life, making it an idyllic spot for recollection in peace and calm.
Church of the Annunciation
The Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth was consecrated in 1969 and was built over the Byzantine and Crusader foundations and is today the central point of Christian and Catholic pilgrimages to the holy land. The remains of the previous churches are visible in the lower church, centered on the Cave of the Annunciation, believed to be the place where the angel Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary that she would give birth to Jesus. The beautiful, upper Church is decorated with mosaics of the Virgin that worldwide communities have donated and is noted for its 55-meter concrete dome, shaped like a Madonna lily, which is a symbol of the Virgin Mary.
Tabgha
Tabgha originates from the Greek word Heptapegon meaning “seven springs,” and is located in a tranquil cove on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee, at the foot of the Mount of Beatitudes and not far from Capernaum. According to the Gospels, the Miracle of the Multiplication of the Loaves and the Fishes that fed a multitude took place here. It is also remembered for Jesus’ third appearance to his disciples after his resurrection.
Mount Tabor
This gently inclined mountain, approximately 1800 feet high, located in the Jezreel Valley to the west of the Sea of Galilee, attracts numerous pilgrims visiting the holy land due to its importance in the Old and New Testaments alike. Mount Tabor is also known as the Mount of the Transfiguration because of the belief that it is where Jesus was recognized as the Son of God. In 1919 the building of the “Church of the Transfiguration,” an imposing Catholic church, began on the peak of Mount Tabor. Aside from this Franciscan Church, there is also a more modest Church dedicated to the prophet Elijah.
This ancient fishing village is located on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. It is the place where Jesus first began to preach in the ancient synagogue and where he made his home during the years of his ministry after leaving Nazareth and is often referred to as Jesus’ “own city.” Many miracles occurred here, and it is here that “walking in the footsteps of Jesus” takes a tremendous meaning. Excavations have uncovered the original synagogue and the surrounding ruins are powerful reminders of Jesus’ life. An interesting feature is Peter’s house, a minimal dwelling similar to others unearthed in the village and yet differs because of the many inscriptions and blessings written on the walls by pilgrims showing both Jesus’ and Peters’s names. Today the ruins are owned by the Franciscans who manage the western part, including the synagogue and the Greek Orthodox Church, whose portion includes the white church with red domes.
Caesarea Philippi- Banias
The ancient site of Caesarea Philippi (Banias) is a place of extreme natural beauty and has an exciting history with an express connection to Jesus’ life. It is where he asked his disciples to tell him who people believed him to be. It is located 25 miles north of the Sea of Galilee at the base of Mt. Hermon. Here, one of the largest springs feeding the Jordan River is to be found. The plentiful water supply has resulted in lush vegetation, beautiful shady hiking trails, and fascinating archeological remnants from various periods. When visiting Israel, don’t forget to visit these Christian holy sites in the Galilee.
