Sea of Galilee.
The Sea of Galilee is the pearl of the northern district of Israel. On the coast of which Jesus Christ began to preach. Here Son of Lord found many of his students and worked miracles. Numerous Christian Holy Places are located here. On the shores of Sea of Galilee there is the Tiberias city.
Israel is a small country in the Middle East. But this is one of the few states in whose territory such a large number of attractions is concentrated. Several religions coexist on this earth at once. Muslim, Jewish and Christian shrines are carefully preserved. That is why Israel is so attractive for tourists, especially for Christians who regularly make pilgrimages to the Holy Land. One of the main routes for pilgrimage is the direction of the Christian Galilee and the Sea of Galilee. The latter is of particular interest, not only as a biblical object.
History of origin and geographical location.
It so happened that in Israel there are several unique water sources, which are not found anywhere else in the world. The Galilee Sea and Dead Sea on the map of the country are the only closed natural reservoirs of water. The Dead Sea is known as the most saline lake in the world. Due to the high concentration of salt, no living creatures are found in its waters. Another amazing feature of the shores of the Dead Sea is the lowest point of land on earth.
And the lowest located in the world freshwater reservoir is Lake Kinneret. For its large size (unusual for lakes) it can be confused with the sea. This is evidenced by one of his many names. The Sea of Galilee on the map of Israel is the second largest closed body of water.
Where is Sea of Galilee located and how was it formed.
On map of Israel you can see that the reservoir occupies the North-Eastern part of the country. During the fracture of the earth’s crust, when the Arabian platform separated from the African one, a hollow was formed. This hollow was filled with the waters of the rising oceans. To the south of this depression was the Dead Sea, which was connected to the lake via the Jordan River. Gradually, Jordan carried all the salt into the Dead Sea, and Lake Kinneret in Israel became a freshwater reservoir.
The origin of the names.
Today three main names have been assigned to the reservoir: the Sea of Galilee, Lake of Tiberias and Kinneret. The first name originates from ancient times. It happened thanks to the Galelei mountains located nearby. On the shore of the reservoir settled the city of Tiberias. City named after the Roman emperor. The third name is controversial. Some believe that the name came from the pagan gods of the same name.
Others suggest that the name is the same root word meaning violin or harp. If you look at the map of the sea, you can see that the shape of the fault is like a harp.
In addition to the main popular names, there are lesser known ones: Lake Tariheya, the Ginesaret Sea or the Gineref Sea. Name Gineref Sea is consonant with the current name of the reservoir.
Mentioned in biblical texts.
In the holy books of the Gospel you can often find mention of it as the “Sea of Galilee.” In the texts of the Old Testament, Lake Kinneret is also found. According to the holy books, Jesus Christ spent some part of his life near the waters of this lake. Along these shores Son of God performed some of his miracles, resurrection and healing, walking on water. And the apostles Peter and Andrew were appointed by him to serve Him and God.
Travel and tourist routes.
The place where the Sea of Galilee is located played a large role in the life of Jesus and often mentioned in biblical texts. Pilgrims and ordinary tourists do not pass it by. In addition to historical attractions, these places fascinate with their natural beauties.
Main historical sights.
Tiberias city – holy Jewish city on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Burials of the great Torah masters – Rabbi Akiva and Maimonind are located. You can personally see Jewish shrines on the ruins of an ancient synagogue. It is famous not only for its historical heritage. But also as a monument of architecture with skillfully laid out mosaics.
Yardenit is the area where the Jordan River emerges from the Sea of Galilee. This site is considered religiously significant for Christians. On the shore of these waters, a symbolic rite of baptism is held for all believers. Baptism is carried out as follows, it is necessary to immerse yourself under water with your head three times, cross oneself before each immersion.
A whole complex has been built in Yardenit, where you can not only hold a sacred rite, but also just spend time and relax. This place is very picturesque, the waters of the river are emerald in color, thanks to silt. Shores are surrounded by dense vegetation. Yardenite is not the baptismal site of Jesus. The real place of his Baptism is located much further than Lake Galilee, on the map closer to the Dead Sea.
Yardenit – official site.
Capernaum is another holy city. It is located on the northwest shore of Lake Galilee on a map of Israel. Jesus conducted his preaching work in this town. Now these are ruins, but important archaeological finds were discovered here – ancient Christian monasteries. If you climb to the top of the Mountain of the Sermon on the Mount, you will have a stunning view of the ruins of the ancient city.
Not far from Capernaum is another historic attraction. Tabgha is the place where Christ performed his miracles. Here the Church of the Multiplication of bread and fish was built. The architecture of which is striking in its beauty. Although church was built in the 18th century, an ancient mosaic decorating the temple is still preserved here.
Rest on the shores of the Sea of Galilee.
In addition to religious historical sites, the coast of the reservoir is a great place to relax. Camping and beaches are located along the coast. The climate in these latitudes favors beach vacations. The weather is warm even in the winter season. The temperature in January does not fall below 18 degrees, and in July rises to 35 degrees.
The coast is surrounded by beautiful blooming gardens, with banana and date palm trees. The only danger that may lie in wait for vacationers is an unexpected riot of elements and a storm. Locals can easily recognize the signs of a storm. Before you get here, relax on your own. It is important for tourists to be careful and check the weather report more carefully.
In addition to a beach holiday, it is possible to spend time with the goal of healing the body in the hot springs of Hamat Tiberias. This is a whole health complex, where about 17 mineral hot springs with a water temperature of about 60 degrees function. Hamat Tiberias is famous for its healing mud piloma. A great opportunity to relax not only the soul, but also the body.
Economic significance for Israel.
For Israel the Sea of Galilee is of particular importance. The lake provides local residents with fish products. More than 20 species live in its waters. The catch reaches 2 thousand tons. One of the famous and popular dishes served in restaurants in the coastal area is St. Peter’s fish, which are known in the world as Tilapia. This fish became famous due to the fact that the disciples of Jesus Christ ate it. Only in the Sea of Galilee does the Kineret sardine live, barely reaching 20 cm in length. Such fish can be found only here.
Tiberias Lake is a source of fresh water in Israel. The water level in Lake Kinneret gradually began to decrease. Therefore, the government ordered to limit water consumption. Special programs are being introduced aimed at the purification of waste water, which can be applied in land management. If the level of Lake Kinneret falls below a critical level, this threatens to disrupt the ecosystem of the reservoir.
Best season: spring, autumn, summer
- Maximum depth 45 m.
- Average depth 25.4 m.
- Area – an average of 168 km².
- The size of the lake is 21.5 × 13 km.
- The volume of 3.7-4.3 km³.
- The coastline is 54-60 km.
Must See Attractions:
- Church of the Apostles.
- Church of the Primacy of Saint Peter.
- Church of the Multiplication.
- Winter: 15-17 ° C.
- Spring: 18–23 ° С.
- Summer: 27-30 ° C.
- Autumn: 18–23 ° С.