The Mount of Beatitudes in the Galilee

The Mount of Beatitudes is an iconic site of the Christian faith. From its summit, you may have an elusive view of Lake Tiberias. It is an ideal place to meditate or to benefit from the amazing landscape. It is said that during his stay in Capernaum, the fishing village where Jesus’ first disciples were born, he gathered his crowds there.
Further to the Gospels, Jesus delivered his sermon in this place and conveyed the eight virtues (or beatitudes) to his worshippers through which he taught his vision of G-d and religion. It was on this occasion that Jesus chose his 12 disciples who will later be named his apostles.

The Mount of Beatitudes is easily accessible from the village of Capernaum via a small path. This hill overlooks the lake of Tiberias and for 1,600 years it has been one of the most important pilgrimage sites of the world Christian community.

Although rising about 200 meters above Lake Tiberias, the Mount of Beatitudes is one of the lowest peaks in the world. Also known as Mount Eremos, it is about 25 meters below sea level.

The visit of the site

On the hill stands the magnificent Church of the Beatitudes. This Neo-Byzantine style church has an octagonal plan, related to the 8 beatitudes of the sermon on the mountain. A true architectural gem, it also has eight stained glass windows on which are inscribed the words of the sermon, as reported in the Gospel of Matthew.

In front of the church, you can also admire the seven mosaics that symbolize seven virtues: faith, charity, hope, prudence, justice, strength and temperance.

In the vicinities

After a breathtaking panoramic view of Lake Tiberias from the top of Mount of Beatitudes, Tabgha is just a few minutes away. It is in this small village that Jesus would have accomplished the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and the fishes, as evidenced by the church of the multiplication that is erected there.

And do not forget to go through the Capernaum site before continuing your discovery of the other sites where Jesus passed during his life.