The Northern Israeli city of Tiberias is situated on the Western shores of the Sea of Galilee (Kinneret). It is located near 17 hot springs and is sometimes called the City of Water.
Tiberias is 200 meters below Sea Level and is the lowest city in Israel. It is a top-rated vacation destination attracting thousands of tourists and local holidaymakers.
The city itself is regarded as one of Judaism’s four “Holy Cities,” the others being Jerusalem, Hebron, and Safed. It has a long history of Jewish study and culture in both ancient and modern times. It was established by Herod Antipas, the son of Herod the Great, and named after the Roman Emperor Tiberius in 20 CE.
Tiberias has places that are of Importance to Jews and Christians alike. From the 2nd to the 10th century CE, this was the political and religious center for the Jewish population, particularly during the 16th century when Sephardic Jews from Spain fled the Inquisition and settled in the city. Amongst these were well-known sage and philosopher Moses Maimonides (Rambam) and Moshe Chaim Luzzato, renowned Kabbalist teacher.
After its establishment, it was a place during the time of Jesus where many miracles took place. Many churches were built in the area, including the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered his Sermon on the Mount.
Tiberias has been inhabited continuously, and there are a variety of buildings and ruins from different periods which have been well preserved. Many sites can be seen from the Crusades and the Ottoman Empire in the Old City, including the Church of St Peter.
Visitors to Tiberias can enjoy the tranquil and peaceful surroundings and visit the many unique religious sites in the area and take advantage of the water activities on offer.
Watching the sunset on the Sea of Galilee is an experience not to be missed. The light makes the water appear almost luminous, and the water takes on the color of the sky, which is flushed with hues of gold, blue, and grey, and patches of pink, definitely a sight worth waiting for.
Visitors can swim in the Kinneret, take a boat trip, or even visit Hamat Gader with its lovely tropical gardens, crocodiles, and beautiful exotic birds.
There are numerous Hotels available to suit all budgets and restaurants, to suit all tastes.
