Almost hidden between a restaurant and a bar along Tiberias‘ beach promenade, the Catholic Saint Peter’s church in Tiberias is the leading Catholic shrine in the city. The church was established in the 12^th century, during the time of the Crusaders. Yet, after their defeat of Horns of Hattin, the Muslims also conquered and converted the church into a Mosque.

Only in the 18th century the Franciscans purchase the property and convert it to a church. Devoting it to Saint Peter, a they placed a replica of Saint Peter’s sculpture at the Vatican in the church’s entrance. After World War II the Polish Catholic Church added memorial wall for Polish soldiers in the church’s courtyard. The church’s interior is shaped like an upturned boat, alluding to Peter and fishing at the Sea of Galilee.

A tour of Saint Peter’s Church in Tiberias can be combined with a guided day tour of the Galilee.