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Stroll the Mount of the Beatitudes in Galilee
Published by Camilla Cheung, Writer
Country: Israel 
The Experience
If you're trying to travel around the Sea of Galilee, try not to get there on a Sabbath. That's when all local public transportation shuts down, and you're stuck trying to thumb it around this gorgeous jewel of a lake. Not that hitchhiking is a terribly bad idea, and in Israel many people feel sorry for those who didn't plan ahead for their transportation on the Sabbath—and they’ll graciously pick you up. In fact, that's how we ended up touring one of the most beautiful sites on the shores of the freshwater Sea of Galilee, the Mount of the Beatitudes.
More of a grassy knoll on the shore of the lake than a mountain, the Mount of Beatitudes is nevertheless one of the most breathtaking sights in the area. From the top of Mount Beatitudes, you can see the entire circumference of the Sea of Galilee, and the grassy hills where Jesus historically must have wandered with his troupe of fishermen and tax collectors. The Mount of Beatitudes is traditionally the place where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount: one of his most famous and most counter-cultural sermons (“blessed be the poor”). Although it cannot be said for certain that it is the same mountain, the current Mount of the Beatitudes has been chosen to commemorate the famous sermon. Some believe that this is also the site where Jesus fed the five thousand by multiplying five loaves and two fish.
On the site today, there is a calming garden and a small church called the Church of the Beatitudes. It is a peaceful place, but small, and a trip to the Mount of Beatitudes is more for the sake of viewing the surrounding Galilean countryside than for visiting the small chapel. Nearby, you may want to visit the octagonal Byzantine-style church called the Church of the Loaves and Fishes. A few ancient Byzantine mosaics are displayed on the floor of the church, including a mosaic depicting the church's namesake: the meal of loaves and fishes.
The view really is breathtaking, with the flat expanse of the Sea of Galilee nestled in the midst of the rolling hills, and a great wide, clear sky over everything. The beach resorts and communities dotted around the lake are laid-back and relaxed, and there are several places of note nearby to visit. One of them is Jesus' base of Capernaum, which is now a fascinating ruin of ancient buildings and an old synagogue. You can also visit the traditional site of Jesus' baptism in the Jordan River.
While a trip to famous sites in the Holy Land can sometimes feel cluttered with churches and monuments, strolling along the top of the Mount of Beatitudes is a welcome breath of fresh air. You may even see a friar or two hanging out in the gardens contemplating Scripture in the tranquil gardens of the Mount.
More of a grassy knoll on the shore of the lake than a mountain, the Mount of Beatitudes is nevertheless one of the most breathtaking sights in the area. From the top of Mount Beatitudes, you can see the entire circumference of the Sea of Galilee, and the grassy hills where Jesus historically must have wandered with his troupe of fishermen and tax collectors. The Mount of Beatitudes is traditionally the place where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount: one of his most famous and most counter-cultural sermons (“blessed be the poor”). Although it cannot be said for certain that it is the same mountain, the current Mount of the Beatitudes has been chosen to commemorate the famous sermon. Some believe that this is also the site where Jesus fed the five thousand by multiplying five loaves and two fish.
On the site today, there is a calming garden and a small church called the Church of the Beatitudes. It is a peaceful place, but small, and a trip to the Mount of Beatitudes is more for the sake of viewing the surrounding Galilean countryside than for visiting the small chapel. Nearby, you may want to visit the octagonal Byzantine-style church called the Church of the Loaves and Fishes. A few ancient Byzantine mosaics are displayed on the floor of the church, including a mosaic depicting the church's namesake: the meal of loaves and fishes.
The view really is breathtaking, with the flat expanse of the Sea of Galilee nestled in the midst of the rolling hills, and a great wide, clear sky over everything. The beach resorts and communities dotted around the lake are laid-back and relaxed, and there are several places of note nearby to visit. One of them is Jesus' base of Capernaum, which is now a fascinating ruin of ancient buildings and an old synagogue. You can also visit the traditional site of Jesus' baptism in the Jordan River.
While a trip to famous sites in the Holy Land can sometimes feel cluttered with churches and monuments, strolling along the top of the Mount of Beatitudes is a welcome breath of fresh air. You may even see a friar or two hanging out in the gardens contemplating Scripture in the tranquil gardens of the Mount.
When to Go to Mount Of Beatitudes
Most travellers stay in nearby resort cities such as Tiberias, or other beach communes along the shores of the Sea of Galilee. There are many restaurants and cafes dotting the shore of the lake, but keep in mind that many may be closed for Sabbath, which starts at sundown on Friday night and continues through Saturday. Transportation will also be limited on the Sabbath, so plan to rent a car or to spend the Sabbath walking around town. Otherwise, there are public buses that regularly circle the Sea of Galilee, and several public and private beaches where you can enjoy the fresh water.
You can visit the Mount of Beatitudes anytime during the year, but it is the most beautiful when the wildflowers are in bloom in spring and summer.
You can visit the Mount of Beatitudes anytime during the year, but it is the most beautiful when the wildflowers are in bloom in spring and summer.
Odds n' Ends
As with most religious sites in Israel, modest dress is expected. Avoid sleeveless shirts and tank-tops, and short shorts. Many people carry a scarf with them, which they can tie around the waist when entering religious sites, and then remove when they return into the blazing hot sunshine. It does get very hot, so drink plenty of water and make use of your sunscreen and hat.
Places to Stay Nearby
Search over 900,000 global hotel deals from over 30 merchants. Book via Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Priceline and the websites of popular hotel chains.
The Vered Hagalil Hotel is located high on the mountain, occupying huge grounds and offers excellent leisure facilities. This unique hotel is a great spot ... 2 miles away
$166 USD+
The Amiad Kibbutz Country Lodging Hotel is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests to Ammiad.The Amiad Kibbutz Country Lodging Hotel boasts a convenient ... 3 miles away
+ 23 others. Show all.
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