Perched on a mountain overlooking the peaceful Sea of Galilee, a church reminds us of one of Jesus’s most important teachings—the Sermon on the Mount.

This sermon begins with eight verses beginning with the term “blessed” in the Latin “Biati”. In Hebrew, it has been translated as “The Mountain of Happiness” as Happy and Blessed Sounds. It is the social doctrine of Jesus, and some people compare it to the Ten Commandments of Judaism. Jesus addresses the poor on the margins of society and delivers his sermon (Mathew 5:1-12):

“When Jesus saw the crowds, he went to a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. He said: “Blessed are the poor in the spirit, for theirs, is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see god. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of god. Blessed are those persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you”.

The main emphasis of the sermon is that on the Day of Judgment, a person will judge differently from the Ten Commandments based on his thoughts and intentions, not only on his actions.

Inside the church

After parking, your journey begins with a stroll through a picturesque garden adorned with quotes from the New Testament. This leads you to the striking black church overlooking the Sea of Galilee. Along the way, you’ll pass amenities such as a souvenir shop and public toilets, ensuring a comfortable visit.

Designed by the renowned Italian architect Antonio Barluzzi, the church’s architecture is purposeful, mirroring the narrative of the Sermon on the Mount it commemorates. Built upon evidence from a nearby Byzantine church, the octagonal structure symbolizes the sermon’s eight verses. Crafted from local basalt stone and limestone, its walls feature expansive windows offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, where Jesus is believed to have delivered his teachings.

Inside the church, a mosaic floor depicts eight panels representing the virtues outlined in Greek wisdom: hope, faith, kindness, wisdom, moderation, justice, and courage. The final panel bears the Latin inscription “Praised be Christ,” echoing the sentiments of the Sermon on the Mount. These virtues serve as guiding principles for Christian believers, encapsulating the essence of Jesus’s teachings and moral teachings.

Basic Information

church name :The Church of Beatitudes

Address : between Tabgha and Capernaum

Map

Christianity order: Roman Catholic (Franciscan) order

Date of construction 1983.

Arrival options

Bus lines	There is a bus station nearby with the following bus numbers: 59,450,541,840
Car	you can enter the site parking lot and need to pay parking fees.

Logistic information:

Admission is free, but you will need to pay for parking.

Hours of operation: 08:00-12:00, 14:30-17:00.

Accessibility

The site is wheelchair-accessible; you will need support with a staircase. The toilets are not.

Telephone No: 972-4-679078.

Public toilets are available with a 5 Nis charge at the entrance. The toilet is not wheelchair-friendly.

Nearby Activities

This church is close to Tabgha church and Capernaum churches, a must-visit for any Christian visitor.

My experience

At the church’s entrance, a quaint shop offers postcards in various languages adorned with verses from the Sermon on the Mount. Additionally, the ceremonial robes worn by two notable visitors—Pope Paul IV in 1964 and Pope John Paul II in 2000—are displayed in the shop window. Those seeking a spiritual experience can also arrange to attend a mass ceremony held in the serene garden surrounding the church.