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The Sea of Galilee region is a stunning site to visit, full with things to do and tourist attractions, from old archaeological ruins to breathtaking landscape. It is forever linked to the narrative of Jesus Christ, who performed most of his missionary work there.
Of course, the churches in and around Tabgha that were constructed on the locations where Jesus performed his miracles are the ideal spots to visit for Christians. For some guests, the serene lakeside setting, hot springs, and hiking opportunities in the nearby hills are sufficient justifications for staying a while.
With this list of the best tourist sites in the Sea of Galilee Area, you can learn more about things to do in the area.
Tiberias, which is perched on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, makes for the ideal home base for exploring this area.
The majority of the town’s tourist attractions are located on Yigal Alon Promenade, which is also a nice area to take a stroll along the lake. The 19th-century Church of St. Peter, constructed atop the ruins of a Medieval fortress, may be found along this route. Within, there is a lovely cloister, and the church’s apse is projecting like the bow of a ship—a nod to Peter’s fishing boat.
The Open-Air Museum, a sculpture park, is right around the block on HaYarden Street.
The Greek Orthodox Monastery, built in 1862, is reached by strolling down the promenade to the south. Several significant Jewish graves may be found in Tiberias if you travel inland from the coast.
The grave of the renowned philosopher and physician Maimonides is located about 300 meters from the northern end of HaGalil Street (Rabbi Moses Ben Maimon, also known as Rambam).
Maimonides, who was born in Cordoba in 1135, fled Spain due to religious persecution and settled in Egypt to serve as Saladin’s personal physician. He also rose to the position of spiritual head of the Jews in Egypt while he was there. There is a wonderful museum here that is dedicated to his life and work in addition to the tomb.
Hamat-Tiberias Hot Springs
Since the Roman era, Tiberias has been renowned as a spa destination, and its hot springs, located two kilometers south of the city, are just as popular now as they were then.
The best way to unwind after time spent on the road is to soak in one of the many hot pools in this area that are fed by natural springs.
After your plunge, the Hamat-Tiberias hot springs region has its own significant tourist destination. Here, a mosaic floor from an old synagogue was unearthed that is among the best preserved in the nation.
The mosaic floor of the synagogue, which originates from the fourth century, demonstrates how local artisans of this time were influenced by both Hellenistic and Roman civilizations, even while adorning religious structures.
Bet Yerah
Although neither Bible nor Egyptian records make reference to the archaeological site of Beit Yerah (also known as Khirbet Kerak), excavations there have shown evidence of a community that dates from the Bronze Age up until the time of Arab control.
The site, which is located 10 kilometers south of the Hamat-Tiberias hot springs, has a jumble of artifacts from several historical periods. A spa complex from the fourth or fifth century and a Roman fort from the third century are among the best-preserved relics. A Byzantine church and a five-century-old, three-aisled synagogue are also present.
Arbel National Park
Put on your hiking boots and head out on the trails at Arbel National Park.
The main draw in this area is the ascent to the Horns of Hittim, the site of a crucial crusader battle. On July 4th, 1187, Saladin dealt the Crusaders a devastating defeat in this location. The 88-year-old Latin kingdom was limited to a small coastal strip with Acre as its capital for the final 104 years of its existence after losing its capital, Jerusalem, and much of its land (Akko).
A route leading up from the main road leads to the summit of the hill, which is reachable in 30 minutes.
Kibbutz Ginosar
The antique fishing boat, now known as the Sea of Galilee Boat and on exhibit in the Beit Yigal Allon Museum, is this little kibbutz’s main draw.
The boat was found in 1986 submerged in dirt close to the lake’s side. Its age has been estimated to be between 70 BC and AD 90, which suggests that it may have been in use throughout the lifetime of Jesus.
The boat is composed of cedar wood and is 8.27 meters long by 2.3 meters broad.
Several people have given the boat the moniker “Jesus Boat,” yet there is absolutely no evidence that Jesus or one of his followers may have used it. The boat is significant historically because it gives archaeologists a look at a watercraft from the first century AD.
Church of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes
The location where legend holds that Christ stood during the miracle when he fed the 5,000 people is where the Church of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes is located.
It was planned by Cologne architects Anton Goergen and Fritz Baumann and constructed in 1982 on the site of an ancient Byzantine-era church. The inside of the newer church features genuine components from the previous church that have been maintained.
The flooring of the church is covered in mosaics from the Byzantine era, which show a variety of birds and floral patterns. The transepts have the most intriguing mosaics.
Flamingos, snakes, herons, ducks, lotus blossoms, and reeds are used to represent the region’s flora and animals, demonstrating the artist’s apparent familiarity with the Nile Delta.