29/06/2024
Culture and history in Tiberias: learn and wait
Tiberias - a city of history and culture
Tiberias is one of the most special and oldest cities in Israel, and not for nothing. Its strategic location to the Sea of Galilee, and on the leading bank between the Upper Galilee and the Jordan Valley, made it an important center throughout history. The city itself was built by Tiberius, the second emperor of the Roman Empire, who also named it after him.
In the years that followed, Tiberias became a very important city, especially for the Jewish settlement that remained in Israel after the destruction of the Second Temple. In addition, Christianity operated in these regions at the beginning of its journey, and also later. In modern times, of course, many kibbutzim and colonies were established here, whose history is the story of our small country. As a result, the city of Tiberias and its surroundings are full of archaeological sites (both Jewish and Christian) that are worth a long visit. From mosaics of ancient synagogues, to churches and monasteries that are still active, to old dining rooms and kibbutz cemeteries. You can reach some of the sites on foot or by public transport, and others you will have to use your car, or rent one from a car rental agency in Israel. You are welcome to choose the sites that speak to you more, and come for a visit and guidance in a place that will greatly enrich your trip in this beautiful region of Israel.
Credit: Shlomo Rodad, from the pikiwiki website
Mount Berniki
Barniki was the home of King Herod Antipas, son of the famous Herod, King of Judea. It is said that he built a palace for his home on a mountain on the banks of the Sea of Galilee. The palace was not found, but the remains of a Byzantine church from a later period, as well as a mosque that was built about 700 years after the time of Herod Antipas, were found on the mountain now called Mount Berniki. There is a hypothesis that these religious buildings were built on the ruins of the Bernice Palace, hence the name of the mountain. The area itself was active in ancient history, and this can be known due to the church, mosque, wall and watchtowers, and the Roman amphitheater that remain on the site. Although it has not been active for close to a thousand years, it is a fascinating site to visit, as well as a place from which a magnificent view of the Blue Sea of Galilee can be seen.
Hamat Tiberias National Park
If they told you that you can go visit an ancient synagogue, but don't forget to bring a robe, flip-flops and a bathing suit, you would probably think that someone is laughing at you. But this is really the case when you come to visit the Hamat Tiberias National Park. This decidedly unusual site is at the southern end of the city of Tiberias, across the road from the official Hami Tiberias spa site.
Remains of synagogues, mosaics, ancient walls and watchtowers were found there. Apparently this was a very important site, and with the reconstructions made there you can get an impression of the impressive remains of history. The mosaics are beautiful, and you can almost feel the atmosphere that was here at the beginning of the first millennium AD.
In addition to all this, in the national park there are almost twenty springs of hot volcanic water, such that you can wade in them and enjoy with the whole family just like they did here thousands of years ago. It is recommended to bring suitable equipment, a packed lunch and a lot of mood, so that you can also enjoy the guidance and the history of the place, as well as the unusual attraction. It is important to pay attention to the opening hours, and to take into account that a fee will be charged on behalf of the Nature and Parks Authority to enter the site.
Mountain of happiness
For those of you interested in Christian history, it will be difficult to pass up a visit to the Mount of Beatitudes, which is a short drive north of Tiberias. The mountain is described in the Christian tradition as the place where Jesus delivered the "Sermon on the Mount" and also as the place where at least some of his disciples were consecrated. Those who come to visit the place will be able to find the remains of an ancient church and monastery, as well as a relatively modern church (beginning of the 20th century). The site is a center of attraction for Christian pilgrims from all over the world. In addition to the historical and religious-Christian importance of the place, it is a beautiful observation site on the northern part of the Sea of Galilee, which allows you to include in one glance the Harbel, Tiberias, the Golan, and on fine days also the Yarmouch and the Jordan Valley.
Credit: Zalmanson Zeller, from the pikiwiki site
Kfar Nahum
If we are dealing with Christian history, fans of the genre cannot complete a visit to the Tiberias region without also visiting Caper Nahum, which is located on the northern bank of the Sea of Galilee (right below the Mount of Beatitudes). Capernaum is famous in the Christian tradition as the place where Jesus worked at the beginning of his journey and for a relatively long time, and from where the first of his disciples came (such as the brothers Bar Jonah, Andreas and Simon - who later became Peter). In Capernaum you can find several churches, a monastery, and the remains of two ancient synagogues. It is recommended to book a tour of the site, so that you can get an impression of the many finds of the site. After visiting the place you can enjoy the "disappearing waterfall" which is right next to the village.
