Capernaum

There are many fascinating places to take in on a tour of Lake Kinneret,

also known as the Sea of Galilee, not least of which is the ancient city of Capernaum, the lakeside town which Jesus and his

disciples are believed to have made their home.  During Jesus’ time the area was an important fishing village and port with around 1500 residents.

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Glimpses of its sea bound past can be seen in the excavations of basalt stone which lead towards the sea, and the remains of a small boat basin with steps leading to the water.

Capernaum is located close to Haifa and the Golan Heights and is a great stopping off point on a tour of the area.

Visitors can view the remains of a Franciscan monastery which was built here, as well as the ancient remains of a 3^rd or 4^th century synagogue built over an even earlier one - in which Jesus may well have prayed.

There are also excavations of houses which date back to ancient times, including the ruins of a 5^th century church which is believed to have been constructed over the original house of the disciple Peter.

The Church of St Peter received much early Christian attention since it was also found to contain graffiti dating back to the 2^nd century – the large Byzantine church also featured a baptistery.

Capernaum’s synagogue was built out of imported limestone, and featured tall columns, marble steps and a doorway facing south to Jerusalem.

There are many Jewish symbols used too, including carved menorahs, rams’ horns and palm branches. To the back of the Synagogue are the remains of the Byzantine village, which was built in local black basalt stone in stark contrast to the mighty structure.

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