Capernaum

Meaning

Wind off the Sea of Galilee passes between the white limestone columns of the synagogue, and basalt walls trace the lanes of the old fishing village.

The Gospels remember Capernaum as 'the town of Jesus,' the home base of his ministry in Galilee; the site preserves the place long honored as Peter's house and the ruins of a white limestone synagogue from the fourth and fifth centuries. Tradition holds that Jesus taught in this synagogue and called fishermen from this shore to follow him.

Field notes

Location

Capernaum · Sea of Galilee · N32.9° · E35.6°

Best time

Morning, when the light on the lake is soft.

Getting there

Twenty minutes by car from Tiberias, along the pilgrim path on the lake's northern shore.

Etiquette

Within the sanctuary grounds, walk quietly in modest dress.

Sources

• · Encyclopaedia Britannica
• · Custodia Terrae Sanctae

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