About Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes

The Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes is in the area of Tabgha on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. It is overseen by the Benedictine Order.

History

In the 5^th century, the original small Syriac church was replaced with a much larger and more elaborate Byzantine building that contains beautiful mosaics depicting animals, plants, and geometric figures. The ancient church was lost to time in the 7^th century, rediscovered in the early 20^th century, and rebuilt on the foundations of the old Byzantine church.

Mosaics of the Church

The highlight of the church is the Byzantine floor mosaic which survived after the original church’s destruction in the 7^th century. The mosaic near the altar shows two fish on either side of a basket of loaves. Other features of the mosaic are lotus flowers, vines and animals such as ducks, doves, cranes, and herons. Beneath the altar is a large black rock which is believed to be where Jesus placed the fish and loaves as He blessed them.