Located in the Galilean town of Tabgha, the Mount of Beatitudes is thought to have been the location where Jesus preached his famous “Sermon on the Mount” (Matthew 5 – 7 and Luke 6). The sumptuous gardens overlooking gorgeous views of the Sea of Galilee provide the perfect setting for meditation and prayer.
One of the most notable scriptures of Jesus’ sermon is The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3 – 11):
“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.”
Throughout the oasis are beautiful placards that remind visitors of Jesus’ teachings and recall the biblical verses which are the basis of Christian theology.
Jesus gave hope to the hopeless, loved the unclean and outcasts while healing the sick and demon-possessed. He taught the crowds how to put others first and to love God with all of their hearts. His teachings were innovative and full of grace, unlike the Jewish laws, and drew thousands of spectators and followers.
While there is no evidence (archaeological nor scriptural) to the actual location of the Sermon on the Mount, the current site, previously known as Mount Eremos (Greek for isolated) has been recognized for more than 1600 years. The Byzantines built a church at the base of the hill in the 4th century AD, while a Catholic chapel rests at the top, overlooking Gennesarat to commemorate the event.
According to archaeologist Bargil Pixner, “this terrace above this still existing cave, called Mughara Ayub, must be considered the traditional place of the Sermon on the Mount. The hillcrest of the Eremos indeed offers a magnificent view over the entire lake and the surrounding villages. The cragginess of this hill meant it was left uncultivated and enabled Jesus to gather large crowds around him without causing damage to the farmers.”
The charming chapel, designed by architect Antonio Barluzzi, was built in 1939 with a donation provided by Italian ruler Benito Mussolini. The floor plan is octagonal, representing each of the eight Beatitudes, with gorgeous colonnaded walkways and a gold mosaic dome. Eight stained glass windows at the base of the dome display the eight Beatitudes in Latin.
Designated for an order of Franciscan nuns, the church was also constructed on the supposed site where Jesus had met his disciples following his resurrection (Matthew 28: 16 – 20).
The altar is centrally placed in the chapel beneath an arch of alabaster and onyx. A beautiful gold cross is elevated on a stand of navy blue. Two dimensional carvings depict various scenes throughout Jesus’ life including his crucifixion. Beneath the shrine are various mosaics representing the seven virtues of charity, faith, fortitude, justice, prudence and temperance.
As we entered the church we were directed to follow the rope that ran along the perimeter of the chapel. The interior was modest and took only a few moments to explore. With additional time to wander the gardens, we enjoyed the scenic beauty of the Sea of Galilee where Jesus would have preached along its coast. The chapel overlooks the fertile farmland of Gennesaret. The New Testament book of Mark refers to this area as the place where Jesus performed many miracles and came into contact with the Pharisees. (Mark 6 – 7).
In March of 2000, this vast hillside was the location of a papal mass that was prepared for nearly 100,000 attendees.
Outside of the chapel entrance is a stairway which leads to the most recent addition to the property, the Domus Galilaeae. Translated as the House of Galilee, the center was added in 2000 to provide additional meeting space for studies and retreats as well as a library dedicated to literature based on the Sermon on the Mount.
The Church of the Beatitudes was built upon the land that has been a designated Christian site for many years. Fourth century pilgrim Egeria mentioned in her writings, a cave in the hillside near Tabgha where “the Lord ascended when he taught the Beatitudes.”
While modern day pilgrims continue to visit the Mount of Beatitudes, many arrive by bus off of the Tiberias-Rosh Pina highway. Others, hiking the Jesus Trail, reach the Mount from other pilgrimage sites and historical locations.
Regardless of how we came upon the Church of the Beatitudes, as we meditate and pray, looking out onto the Galilee, we may hear the voice of Jesus speaking to us today.
Scriptural References:
- The Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 5:1-7:28; Luke 6
- Jesus commissions the disciples: Matthew 28:16-20
- The Miracles of Jesus: Mark 6 – 7
If you were to visit Israel, would you want to visit the Church of the Beatitudes? I am so thankful for the opportunity to have visited The Holy Land and thank you for reading about my visit to the Church of the Beatitudes. Let me know if you have any questions about the site or tell me about your visit in the comments section below. Wishing you many Happy Travels!
What to See and What to Do:
The Church of the Beatitudes
Follow signs off of the Tiberias-Rosh Pina highway
Tabgha, Israel
Telephone: +972 4 679 0978
- Admission Fee: 5 shekels per person
- Hours: Open daily from 8AM to 5PM and closed for lunch from noon to 2PM
- Amenities: Historical and religious sites, restrooms (pay 1 shekel), local guides, posted placards, café (coffee, sandwiches and snacks) and gift shop
- Scenic View: The view of the Sea of Galilee and the Gennesaret Plain
- Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
- Travel Tip: Wear the appropriate clothing for entering a church having your shoulders and knees covered. Dress modestly. If you are going on your own, arrive early when the facility opens to avoid tour crowds. At the gift shop you will find locally produced date nut honey which is exceptional! Visitors can also access the St. Peter’s Primacy Church by taking the trail at the back of the chapel. The hike will take about 30 minutes.
Where to Stay:
Club Hotel Tiberias
Ahad Ha’Am Street 19
Tverya, Israel
Telephone: +972 4 672 8000
Where to Eat:
Magdalena Restaurant
Migdal, Israel 90
Telephone: +972 4 673 0064
This gorgeous restaurant with beautiful views of Galilee has a full menu to include local Israeli dishes and seafood. Start with the Shrimp Kadaif, made of Mediterranean shrimp wrapped in kadaif (shredded phyllo dough), lemon aioli, Dashi and ginger sauce. Follow it up with St. Peter’s fish Tilapia baked in herbs and garlic and a side of root vegetables. The dessert menu offers amazing selections to include Lotus Malbi Cannolis, eclairs and sumptuous brulee.
