Sites of Christian Interest
Jerusalem, Around the Sea of Galilee and More
Israel is the land where Jesus lived and taught. There are many sites in the country which are of interest to Christian tourists. Each denomination has its specific sites to visit and there are also many sites which will be of interest to anyone of any background.
In Jerusalem
Jerusalem probably has the most important Christian sites. One can go the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus was arrested, walk the Via Dolorosa, visit the site of Jesus's crucifixion - the Church of the Holy Sepulcher according to the Catholics and Orthodox, the Garden Tomb according to the Protestants. See St Ann's Church - a Crusader church still standing intact. Visit the Tomb of Mary and also the village of Ein Kerem with its many sites. The list goes on and on.
Around the Sea of Galilee is where much of the Ministry of Jesus took place and where many miracles occurred. You can go to the town of Capernaum and see the site of the synagogue where Jesus preached and Peter’s House, the first House Church. The Church of the Beatitudes sits on the Mount of Beatitudes where the famous Sermon on the Mount took place. One can see an ancient boat from the time of Jesus at Kibbutz Ginosar. There is the Church of Loaves and Fishes where Jesus fed the 5,000 and the Church of the Primacy of Peter. Take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee where Jesus walked on water or go the baptismal site at Yardenit.
And Many More Spots in Israel
In fact, there are sites of Christian interest throughout the country. One can venture into the Judean Desert and see a reconstructed Byzantine church at the Inn of the Good Samaritan. See where John the Baptist baptized Jesus at Qasr al Yahud on the River Jordan. While there why not visit the nearby Greek Orthodox Monastery of Gerasimos. In the north-center of Israel is Nazareth where the famous Church of the Annunciation is situated. You can also visit Nazareth Village, a recreation of a village from the time of Jesus. Outside of Jerusalem is the Monastery of St John of the Desert, a beautiful and tranquil place to visit. Go to the top of Mount Tabor and see the Church of the Transfiguration and the amazing view. You can even go to Beit Guvrin and see the ruins of a Crusader church which was built on the ruins of Byzantine Church. You can see how the Crusader church was later used as Mameluke mosque, also in ruins. The number of places to visit are almost endless.