The Kursi National Park (shores of the Sea of Galilee)

Further to the Christian tradition, Kursi is the village where Jesus delivered two men from demons. Recounted in the Gospel of Matthew, this miracle transformed this small village in the eastern part of Lake Tiberias into a pilgrimage site of Christians in the 6th century.

Today, the site has preserved its religious dimension, which is reinforced by the various recent historical discoveries. A monastery with an inn to house the pilgrims and household utensils may be found there. Besides, some rooms forming the so-called Caldarium of thermals, a system of baths and pools with draining and under floor heating systems (Hypocaust) may also be found there. A little further on the site, an oil press that probably gave the sacred oil to pilgrims is available.

The history of the site

According to the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus arrives on the shores of Kursi after performing several miracles in Capernaum (the fishing village where his first disciples lived) and after delivering his sermon in the Mount of the Beatitudes. Upon his arrival in Kursi, he meets two men possessed by demons and delivers them before continuing on his way (Matthew 8: 28-33).

The strong interest of the Christians for Kursi comes from this miracle and from the passing of Christ in the village. In the 6th century, the monastery was built near the place where the miracle took place. Researches made on this site confirm that it was for a long time an important pilgrimage site. However, the building was abandoned in the 8th century after the occurrence of an earthquake that damaged it.

The visit of the site

Bordered by a river flowing from the Golan Heights, the Kursi National Park is mainly visited by pilgrims who repeat Jesus’ footsteps. On the site, you may find the remains of the old monastery which are well preserved. Its architectural style and the main elements of its structure can be easily imagined

In the vicinities

Further to the discovery of ruins of the old monastery, Christian utensils found in the excavations were sent to the archaeological museum of the Golan where they are exposed. During your stay in Kursi, a visit to this museum is not to be missed in order to complete your historical and religious journey.

In the vicinities, the Mount of the Beatitudes and the village of Capernaum may be accessible on the other side of Lake Tiberias. Tabgha and Magdala should also be part of your visit to this region in the North of Israel.