Tiberias, Israel-an ancient settlement in Israel, located on Lake Kinneret, which is so large that it is also called the sea. For local residents, Tiberias, almost on a par with Jerusalem, is revered as an important religious shrine. This picturesque place with ancient, narrow streets, old houses built of black basalt, annually receives hundreds of thousands of travelers.
Interesting fact! The city was founded in 17 AD, named after the Emperor Tiberius.
General information about Tiberias
The settlement was founded by the son of King Herod. Here for a long time was the residence of the monarch. Representatives of the royal families were happy to come to Tiberias and visit the healing springs. It is noteworthy that the Jews called the city dirty, because it is built on tombs.
Interesting fact! Tiberias is the only settlement in the Roman Empire where almost all the local inhabitants were Jews.
During the period when the Land of Galilee received the status of the center of Jewry, 13 synagogues were built on the territory of Tiberias, and the higher academy was moved here from Jerusalem.
A special place was chosen for the construction of the settlement — there were important caravan routes that connected Israel with Babylon and Egypt. Tiberias served as a defensive fortress.
In the 12th century, the situation changed — the city was abandoned and turned into an ordinary fishing village. The second stage of prosperity began in the 16th century, this was facilitated by the Spanish exile Donna Grazia, who had Jewish roots.
Today, Tiberias is identified with an inexpensive and interesting holiday in Israel. On the streets of the city, ancient history is intertwined with modern buildings and structures. Tourists are attracted by comfortable conditions for health and beach holidays.
The modern city of Tiberias is represented by several parts:
- Old — located along the Sea of Galilee;
- Upper — located on a hill;
- New — a prestigious area of Kiryat Shmuel.
Most of the attractions are located in Old Tiberias.
Tiberias attractions
The main city boardwalk is the boulevard from Old Tiberias to the center. There are shops, cafes and restaurants here, and live music is played. You can also buy fresh fish at the fish market.
Kinneret Lake
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Israel. Pilgrims come here, because on the shore Jesus Christ read sermons, performed miracles.
Useful to know! There is a singing fountain on the lake.
In addition to beach relaxation, the Sea of Galilee is popular for kayaking, cycling, and cruising.
For Israelis, the reservoir has not only the status of a beautiful landmark, but also a strategic object, since it is the largest source of fresh water in the country. Locals say that Israel is washed by four seas: Red, Mediterranean, Dead, and Galilean.
In different historical epochs, the attraction was called differently: Tiberias, Gennesaret, but the most popular is the Sea of Galilee. This is the name mentioned in the Old Testament. Here Jesus preached, calmed the storm, and walked on water.
Interesting facts:
- according to one version, Kinneret comes from the word harp, since the shape of the reservoir is somewhat similar to a musical instrument.;
- 15 rivers flow into the reservoir, and only one flows out — the Jordan;
- In recent years, the lake is rapidly becoming smaller, and the government has imposed restrictions on the consumption of water from the reservoir to preserve the natural resource.;
- if the water level falls below the critical level, algae will grow in the water and the ecological situation will worsen;
- Kinneret is not only a source of fresh water, but also more than two dozen fish;
- the bottom is covered with basalt sand, which makes the water look dark;
- there are frequent waves and storms on the surface;
- the reservoir is located below sea level;
- there are ancient thermal springs on the shore.
Yardenit – the place of the baptism of Jesus Christ
Yardenit is a small backwater located south of the city of Tiberias, where the Jordan River flows out of Lake Kinneret. In accordance with the Gospel, Jesus was baptized here 2 thousand years ago. During the ceremony, the Holy Spirit descended – a white dove.
Every year, thousands of pilgrims come here to plunge into the sacred waters. Many tourists note the touching atmosphere that reigns in this place.
From a tourist point of view, Yardenit is a well-equipped complex with convenient paths, changing rooms, and showers. There is a shop where, if necessary, you can buy clothes for baptism.
Useful to know! It is impossible to repeat the rite of baptism, since the sacrament is performed once. Anyone can take a dip in the waters of the river without restrictions.
Practical recommendations:
- many tourists collect water from the river, take it with them, you can buy the necessary capacity in the store;
- water is used for sprinkling housing, as a relic, but it is not recommended to drink it;
- visiting the attraction is free of charge;
- christening clothes: rental $ 4, purchase$24;
- opening hours: daily except Friday – from 8-00 to 18-00, Friday and public holidays-from 8-00 to 17-00;
- How to get there: Buses 961, 963 and 964 run from Jerusalem.
Hamat Tiberias Thermal Baths
Hamat Tiberias — a place where archaeological excavations were carried out. Today it is a national park in Israel, where there are 17 healing springs. Water helps with various diseases, so you can swim here even on Shabbat.
Interesting fact! Hamat was originally a separate settlement, but in the 11th century it was connected to Tiberias.
At the beginning of the 20th century, during excavations, the remains of a synagogue dating back to 286 AD were discovered. A unique find in the synagogue is a mosaic floor laid out in the 4th century, and under it an older wooden floor was found.
The mosaic is recognized as the oldest in Israel. The attraction is a three-part painting. The central part shows the zodiac circle located around the god Helios, while the other two parts depict women symbolizing the seasons.
There is a Hammam museum at the entrance. The main attraction is the thermal springs located on Lake Kinneret. The baths are built on 17 healing springs, the water temperature is +62 degrees.
Interesting fact! The springs rise from a crack in the earth’s crust 2 km deep.
Mineral water has a unique chemical composition, thanks to which bathing in springs helps with various diseases. Also, natural mud has healing properties – this is volcanic precipitation. On the basis of thermal springs and healing mud in the middle of the last century, a natural balneological resort was created, which welcomes guests all year round.
Infrastructure:
- two thermal spring pools – indoor and outdoor (jacuzzi pools);
- outdoor pool with fresh water;
- two saunas;
- in the warmer months, there is access to the beach on the lake;
- manual therapy center;
- gym;
- cosmetology and aromatherapy office.
Practical information:
- Address: Shderot Eliezer Kaplan;
- entrance fee: adult ticket – $ 25, children’s ticket – $13;
- opening hours: Monday, Wednesday, Sunday – from 8-00 to 18-00, Tuesday and Thursday – from 8-00 to 19-00, Friday – from 8-00 to 16-00, Saturday and public holidays-from 8-30 to 16-00;
- yandex. checkout stops working one hour before closing time;
- some hotels in Tiberias offer discounts on access to the thermal complex.
Arbel National Park
Arbel is an ancient settlement and national park located on the mountain of the same name. On the slopes are the remains of an ancient synagogue, four villages and a cave-fortress. The mountain stands near Lake Kinneret, and the top is located at an altitude of 181 m above sea level. At the top there is a viewing platform from which you can see the surrounding area.
Interesting fact! At the foot of Arbel Rock there is a place that locals call Wadi Hamam, which means pigeon Creek. The fact is that there are many birds living in the caves here.
The existence of the Arbel settlement dates back to the Roman Empire. Here you can see archaeological sites, ruins of a synagogue dating back 5-6 centuries, and city buildings. It is noteworthy that the houses of city residents were located directly in the rocks.
In 1967, the territory of Mount Arbel was recognized as a national park with an area of 850 hectares. The park area includes almost the entire Arbel Stream, the source of which is located near the village of Eibulana, and it falls into Lake Kinneret.
Interesting to know! Climbing Mount Arbel from the south side is part of the National Israeli Way. The route on the western slope is part of the Way of Christ.
Practical information:
- admission fee: adult ticket – $ 6, children’s ticket – $2.50;
- opening hours: in the warm season – from 8-00 to 17-00, in the winter months – from 8-00 to 16-00;
- infrastructure: cafes, toilets, several walking routes.
Capernaum National Park
The attraction is an ancient settlement located on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, 5 km from Tabha. References to the city are found in the New Testament – in holy Scripture, Capernaum is mentioned as the hometown of the apostles James, Peter, John and Andrew. In the city synagogue, Christ preached and demonstrated many miracles to the residents.
Today Capernaum is a National Park, an archaeological site and several monasteries have been preserved here. The remains of the synagogue were discovered in 1838, but official excavations began in the early 20th century
On the territory of Capernaum, a Greek temple was discovered, decorated in the traditions of island Greece with one difference – the dome of the church is painted red instead of blue.
Capernaum is called “His City”, because it was here that Jesus Christ performed many miracles, and also gathered the apostles around him.
You can visit the attraction for free. You can get from Tiberias by buses: No. 459 and No. 841. Follow Highway 90 and then Highway 87, heading north from Tiberias.
Tabha Church
The temple of the multiplication of loaves and fishes, here Jesus Christ fed 5 thousand people with only five pieces of bread and two fish.
The church consists of three naves, the interior is modestly decorated. This is done specifically to emphasize the beauty of mosaic masonry dating back to early Christianity. To the right of the main altar, excavations revealed the remains of the foundation of the first temple, built in the 4th century.
The main decoration and attraction of the church is a mosaic dating back to the 5th century. This mosaic masonry is recognized as one of the most beautiful in Israel. The mosaic is made up of flowers, birds and, of course, a picture on a religious theme-symbols of the miracle that Jesus performed-a basket of bread and a fish.
The courtyard of the church is also decorated with mosaics, there is an old fountain with seven taps, each made in the form of a fish.
There are still services in the church today.
Where to stay
Tiberias has a fairly wide selection of hotels-from budget (bed and breakfast class) to five-star ones. You can choose accommodation in campsites or hostels – this option is chosen by young tourists.
Useful to know! In the same hotel, prices for accommodation change depending on the day of the week – from Friday to Sunday, the price will be higher than on the days from Monday to Thursday.
It makes sense for pilgrims to choose accommodation in guest houses that are built on the territory of religious communities. Apartments are in great demand – apartments that are rented out by local residents.
If you want to enjoy beautiful views of the city, choose a hotel room located in the Kiryat Shmuel area, on the mountain. Living in this area is chosen by older tourists, so it is not customary to make noise and have fun here.
Prices for housing on the Booking service:
- double room in the hotel-from$62;
- hostel – from$57;
- apartments-from$75.
Public transport links
There is no airport in the city, however, it is easily accessible from all major cities in Israel. Regular buses of the Egged carrier company run between localities.
Transfer time:
- Tiberias-Tiberias – 2 hours and 15 minutes;
- Jerusalem-Tiberias – 2.5 hours;
- Haifa-Tiberias – 1 hour and 10 minutes.
On the official website of the carrier (www.egged.co.il) there is a schedule and you can book a ticket.
There is a free tourist bus service around the Sea of Galilee. Transport takes tourists to different beaches. The starting point is the central bus station. The work schedule is from 8-00 to 22-00 every two hours. The route is 60 km long.
Weather and climate
On the map of Israel, Tiberias is located in the northern district. Geographical references indicate that the city is located in a subtropical climate zone of the Mediterranean type. This means that it has a hot summer with no precipitation and a warm winter with a lot of precipitation. In summer, a high pressure zone is established over the territory of Tiberias, and in winter, the winds that blow from the Red Sea bring showers and storms. However, given the fact that the city is located below sea level, there are no disadvantages characteristic of the Mediterranean climate. Temperature fluctuations remain over the city, and directly in Tivat, the difference between the summer and winter temperature schedule is only 2-3 degrees. In summer — +34 degrees, in winter – +31 degrees.
The Kinneret Lake area is characterized by high humidity – 70% in winter and 90% in summer. The significant moisture content in the air is the reason why the sunsets and nights in Tiberias are very beautiful.
Tiberias (Israel) has a mild climate and a rich history stretching back many centuries. A large number of attractions and recreational opportunities make the city a popular resort and one of the most visited religious sites in Israel.
