>  Top Christian Tour Destinations in Israel   >  Capernaum – A Sanctuary of Spiritual Reflection

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Nestled along the lush shore of the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum was a quaint fishing village in Roman times. Steeped in the history of Jesus’ miracles and teachings, it evolved into a popular Christian destination pilgrimage destination. To this day Capernaum stands among the holiest Christian sites in the Holy Land, attracting pilgrims and tourists.

History of Capernaum

Established in the second century BCE next to the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum is chiefly known from the New Testament as where Jesus settled after being rejected in Nazareth. Having lived there for at least three years, the Gospels vividly recount Jesus’ preachings and miraculous deeds within the village. Matthew even titled Capernaum as “his town” (Matthew 9:1).

With the advent of Christianity, Capernaum evolved into a significant pilgrimage destination, with a synagogue and a church constructed at the site. However, the 7th-century Muslim conquest of the Holy Land led to its decline and abandonment. Eventually, even its location was forgotten, and pilgrims visited other false locations. Rediscovered in the 19th century, the Catholic Church reclaimed most of the site. In the following decades, the Franciscan order excavated and developed the site and opened it for visits.

Touring Capernaum

Capernaum welcomes visitors every day of the week from 8:00 to 17:00. Its key landmarks are:

The Synagogue – Dating to the 4th or 5th century AD, Capernaum’s synagogue is among the best preserved in the region. It is built upon an earlier synagogue, where Jesus likely taught (Mark 1:21; John 6:59) and performed miracles (Luke 4:33-37). The later synagogue is highly ornate and seems to reflect the wealth of its Jewish community in the Byzantine period.

The Church of St. Peter – Adjacent to the synagogue, an octagonal-shaped modern church is constructed over the foundation of a Byzantine-era church. Both are built above the foundations of a first-century house believed to be the home of St. Peter. Most likely here Jesus cured Peter’s mother-in-law (Luke 4:38-39) and a disabled man brought on a stretcher (Luke 5:18-19).

Capernaum also offers fantastic views of the surrounding landscape, including the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights. Conclude your visit with a stroll along Capernusm’s shore, reflecting on the biblical events associated with this profound site.

Consider integrating a tour of Capernaum with a day tour to the Galilee or an extensive multi-day tour of the Holy Land.

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