Jesus came to Capernaum after being expelled from Nazareth. Capernaum became known as “the city of Jesus” because of his presence there. He stayed at the house of his disciple Peter, also known as Simon Peter, for three years. During his time in Capernaum, Jesus performed numerous miracles, including the healing of Peter’s mother-in-law. He also taught in the synagogue, gaining followers and spreading his teachings. The significance of Capernaum lies in the alignment between historical accounts and archaeological findings, providing evidence of Jesus’ presence and activities in the region.
Capernaum National Park
The Capernaum National Park comprises two significant sites. The first is the house believed to be where Peter’s mother-in-law lived, where Jesus resided during his time in Capernaum. This square structure is part of a larger complex that included residential buildings and places of worship, dating back to the time of Jesus. In the 5th century, an octagonal church was constructed above this site. In 1990, Franciscan believers constructed a larger octagonal church above the remains, which allows visitors to view the original structure through glass.
Another notable feature is the ancient white synagogue, built in the 5th century atop an even older structure from the time of Jesus. The synagogue is remarkable with its rows of columns and seating areas. Many decorations were discovered within the synagogue and are now displayed in the archaeological garden at the site’s entrance. These decorations include distinctly Jewish motifs, such as a seven-branched lampstand, a shofar symbol, and a relief believed to represent the Ark of the Covenant. Some theories suggest that this synagogue, constructed long after Jesus’ time, was built by Christian believers seeking a tangible place of worship to visit, as the archaeological findings alone were insufficient. Due to its construction from limestone, unlike the local black basalt stone, the synagogue is known as the “white synagogue” and is considered one of the most beautiful synagogues in the Galilean region.
Basic Information
Church name The House and Church of Saint Peter in Capernaum (Kfar Naum)
Address: Kfar Nahum, National park
Map
Christian order: Roman Catholic.
The construction year is 1990.
Important History
One fascinating discovery at the Capernaum National Park is a room adorned with white plaster featuring geometric patterns and colored flowers, distinct from other rooms unearthed at the site. It is believed that this room served as a gathering place for the earliest Christians. Inscriptions dating back to the 3rd century were found on plaster fragments in Greek, Armenian, Latin, and Syriac, containing titles of Jesus such as “Our Lord” and “Christian.” These remnants strongly suggest that the building was associated with Christian worship, likely linked to the home of Simon Peter. Additionally, a special piece of stone with painted plaster walls was found around a fixing wall, possibly indicating the location of a significant focal point within the structure. Later, an octagonal church was constructed above the ancient mosaic, further emphasizing the religious significance of the site.
Arrival options
| Bus lines | You may take the bus from Jerusalem to Tiberius. From there take bus number 52 and within 32 minutes you will arrive. |
| Car | Write in waze “Capernaum”. You must reach the junction of Capernaum and turn east towards Highway No 87 or the east side of the Sea of Galilee using Highway No 92. The national park has a parking lot. |
Logistic Information
Accessibility: According to the official website, the site is not fully accessible for wheelchairs.
There are entry fees to this site that is part of Israel; National Parks.
Telephone number 972-(0)4-67932865.
Hours of operation, the site is closed to enter 1 hour prior to the stated closing time.
Sunday-Thursday 08:00-16:00. During the holidays and on Friday from 08:00 to 13:00 in summer and from 08:00 to 15:00 in winter.
Toilet: Available and adapted for wheelchairs.
Nearby site activities
As Jesus was active in the Sea of Galilee region, you can easily continue to other nearby churches such as the Mount Beatitudes Church and Tabgha Loaves and Fish.
Site explaining My experience
Capernaum National Park provides an ideal setting for reflecting on the teachings of Jesus and the deeds of his apostles, including the miraculous healing of Peter’s mother-in-law. Visitors can immerse themselves in the biblical narrative while exploring the historical remains of the ancient city. Furthermore, the serene outdoor environment offers a tranquil space for prayer and contemplation without requiring advance booking. For those interested in organizing a mass or a group prayer session, reservations can be made through the Custodia website, ensuring a meaningful and organized spiritual experience at this sacred site.
