Sitting in Northern Israel, between the Golan Heights and the Galilee region, is the Sea of Galilee. Known locally as Lake Kinneret, the Sea of Galilee is the lowest freshwater lake on earth, spanning approximately 21km long and 13km wide and resembling the shape of an ancient lyre. The Sea of Galilee is not only Israel’s main water source but it also boasts an amazing surroundings of mountains and beaches.
The area around the Kinneret is an important and relevant site in Jesus’ ministry – He walked on the water of the Sea of Galilee, He taught the crowds by the shore, He delivered the Sermon on the Mount, He healed the sick and He fed 5,000 people with just five loaves of bread and two fishes.
Today, you can take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. But what you may find more historically significant are the remains of a small fishing boat, alike Peter’s boat. During a drought in 1986, two brothers from a kibbutz discovered this relic, and this Ancient Galilee Boat is now currently on display in the Yigal Alon Center. There, you can learn more about how the boat was moved from the wet land to dry land, or take the exit at the back of the museum and embark on a boat ride of a lifetime.
While in the area, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Capernaum, with its spectacular ruins of a first century synagogue (built over a pre-existing synagogue from the time of Jesus) and the home of Peter. Take a seat on stone benches or walk around the hometown of Jesus, where He performed many miracles, and don’t forget to take in the beauty of the sea whilst at the shoreline of Capernaum.
