A small village in Galilee on the northwestern shore of Lake Tiberias (or Sea of Galilee), Capernaum is one of the sites of great historical, cultural and religious value in Northern Israel. The term Capharnaüm may be understood as such: if one cuts the French word capharnaüm we have "caphar" on one hand and "naum" on the other hand. This term originates from the Hebrew name of the site: Kfar Nahum, which means "the village of consolation".

As a matter of fact, it is to this place that Jesus traveled to save John who was taken prisoner in Galilee. He stayed with Peter for some time in the village of Kfar Nahum or Capernaum from which he moved to provide teachings and perform great miracles (to be read in the Gospels).

When visiting Kfar Nahum you will be able to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, to acknowledge a Jewish village in the North of the country before the destruction of the Temple.

You may also visit St. Peter’s house (in which Jesus would have stayed) which was used as a church in the 5th century (Byzantine era) and today is below a church built on the same shape (octagonal): St. Peter’s church. Further on the site, you may walk on the ruins of the Jewish village and be acquainted to a later built building: a 5th century’s magnificent synagogue.

The forgotten city

A former fishing village, which has become important for the economic development of the region, Capernaum was totally destroyed after a severe earthquake in the 7th century.  It is totally forgotten until the end of the 19th century when great part of the ancient village is purchased by the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land.

The archaeological excavations carried out on the site in the beginning of the 20th century revealed historical treasures on the life of Capernaum’s population from the Roman era to the Byzantine era. It soon became a pilgrimage site for worshipers from all over the world. Each year the site welcomes thousands of visitors.

Capernaum, pearl of the Holy Land

Today, when visiting Capernaum, you may discover the remains of the ancient village with its main buildings such as St. Peter’s house and the remains of the huge synagogue. You may also visit the Catholic Church above Saint Peter's house and the magnificent Greek Orthodox Church on the other side of the site. There is also a Franciscan convent at the entrance of the archaeological village of Capernaum.

A visit to Capernaum is always a unique moment of meditation and contemplation of Jesus’ life.  To help you enjoy it to the fullest, you may have the assistance of our guides.