Tabgha Church of the Multiplication

Nestled along the lush northwest shoreline of the Sea of Galilee, the Tabgha Church commemorates Jesus’ miraculous feeding 5,000 people. First built in the 4^th century AD, this church stands as a testament to a centuries-old tradition that continues to draw Christian pilgrims.

History of the Church

All four Gospels record the miracle of Jesus feeding multitudes with just a handful of loaves and fish (Matthew 14; Mark 6; Luke 9; John 6). Some even repeat the story, suggesting the event occurred more than once (cf. Matthew 15; Mark 8). Since the 4^th century, Christian pilgrims identified the site of the Multiplication miracle west of Capernaum. By the 5^th century AD, a basilica-shaped church was constructed at the site, featuring colorful mosaic floors. The 7^th-century Muslim conquest of the Holy led to the church’s destruction. Later, the site was abandoned and even its location was forgotten. Rediscovered in the 19^th century the church was excavated in the 1930s by a German expedition. The excavations were followed by a restoration project and in 1982 it was opened to the public.

Exploring the Tabgha Church of the Multiplication

The site is maintained by a Benedictine order and welcome visitors from Monday to Saturday, between 8:00 and 16:45. The meticulously restored church faithfully captures the original Byzantine style of the building and especially its mosaic floors. Its focal point the apse, where the mosaic depicts two fish and a basket with loaves. By local tradition the rock behind it marks the precise spot where Jesus preformed the multiplication miracle to feed the crowds.

A visit to the Tabgha Church of the Multiplication can be combined in a day tour of the Galilee.