Capernaum – Complete Travel Guide
What Capernaum is Famous for?
Capernaum is an ancient village at the northern part of the Sea of Galilee with a long history dating to the time of the second temple.
Together with Korazin and BeitSida, it was one of the Fishing villages nearby the lake.
Were it not for Jesus we would not have known the place.
The New Testament tells us that after Jesus’s baptism he moved to Capernaum and called his first disciples, it is where he preached at the synagogue and perfumed miracles.
It is where Jesus spent his last three years and therefore called by many “The Town of Jesus”
Great video to watch from Sergio & “Rhoda in Israel” Youtube channel.
What is the meaning of the name Capernaum?
The name Capernaum in Hebrew consists of two words Kfar and Nahum.
Kfar is a Village and Nahum is a name of a person and actually we not really know who is Naum.
The word Naum can be also translated as Mercy so we can relate it to the biblical term “The house of Mercy” and it In full accordance with the character of Christ who brought comfort to us and the world.
Things to see at Capernaum:
No matter what your religion is, whether you are a Jew, a Christian, or a Muslim, you can connect and touch the remains of a settlement from the Second Temple period.
Here the stones can speak up and teach us about the history and the period.
Here you can see the residences, the synagogue, ancient olive oil production facilities, and ancient stone carvings unique to the Jews and by the inhabitants of this region that was later called Palestine.
The ancient Synagogue:
It is one of the synagogues in ancient Israel that was active while the Temple at Jerusalem was still standing.
Today we can see the restored white limestone Synagogue dated to the 5th century, with its facade facing Jerusalem.
But a deep look to the surface will reveal to us the black basalt stone foundation dating to the 1st temple period and this is where Jesus stood and read from the scriptures.
The house of Peter:
And the Bible says: As Jesus left the Synagogue he went to the house of Peter.
So let us step out of the Synagogue and walk few steps like Jesus to the house of Peter.
we can see a black Basalt octagonal structure build on top a 1st century house.
Back then Peter lived in a small house similar to the excavated houses you can see at the site.
After Jesus was rejected by the community, the house of Peter became a meeting place for the first believers, and at the fifth century an Octagonal church was built on the house, and what we see here is one of the oldest churches in the world.
This is where Jesus healed Peter mother in law and the paralyzed man.
The Modern St. Peter's Church:
Just on top of the ruins of St. Peter house there was built at 1990 a new and modern Catholic Church that serves all the pilgrims while visiting the site.
The design of the church that simulates a fishing boat hints the words of Jesus that called Peter to be a fisherman of man.
If it possible, it’s also recommended for non catholic visitors to visit the church there you will have a chance to pay a visit to St. Peter house through a unique Glass Floor just like the Paralyzed man.
“So they made a hole in the roof above Jesus. Then they lowered the man through it on a mat.” Mark 2:1-4
The Statue of St. Peter:
Just as you step inside Capernaum there is an impressive Bronze sculpture call you to join him.
The sculpture depicts St. Peter as a shepherd holding the Keys to the kingdom of Heaven seats on a rock with the Inscription “upon this rock I will establish my church” Matthew 16:18
Stone Curving and Inscriptions:
Along the way, there is an impressive display of ancient remains of stone carvings with unique Jewish motifs among them:
the Menora, The Ark, Star of David, and Dedication address for donors for the construction of the synagogue “Halfu son of Zebida, the son of Yohanan, made this column, May he be blessed.”
Why Jesus move to Capernaum?
Great Video from Spirit & Truth Youtube Channel by
John Schoenheit.
Why Capernaum was destroyed?
From the Bible we know that the people of Capernaum rejected Christ, even after they show all his miracles they refused to accept Jesus as The son of Man.
Indeed, As Jesus prophesied, the city was completely destroyed in the 749 earthquakes and descended into the abyss of oblivion.
The miracles that took place at Capernaum:
Jesus Drives Out an Impure Spirit from the Demon possessed man:
Jesus cast away the demons from a man with an unclean spirit.
Healing Peter’s mother in law:
Jesus walks few steps out of the synagogue to Peter’s house and heals his Mother in law.
Healed the centurion’s servant without seeing him:
Thanks to the Centurion faith, Jesus heals his servant without seeing him.
Jesus teaching at Capernaum synagogue:
Some of the most important words of Jesus that still echoes through the stones of the ancient synagogue in Capernaum are:
“I’m the living bread that came down from heaven”.
Capernaum Gifts:
The site itself doesn’t have a real gift shop.
You can find there basic items like Introduction book of Israel and some postcard.
If you want to have a nice gift relate to this site we will suggest you to choose a nice Nano Bible cross pendant.
Why this?
This is the place where Jesus lived and preach for 3 years, at this synagogue he read the Holy Scriptures to the Jewish community and the first Messianic Jew’s that was the foundation for the first Christian Community.
The Messianic Seal shows the connection from the Jewish life (Menorah) via the Star of David to the Fish (ancient Christian Symbole with Nano Chip with the Old & New testament embedded it.
The Classic Cross, Made of Jerusalem stone with the New Testament Embedded in.
Capernaum Hotels:
The site located in the Northern part of the Sea of Galilee and about 30 min ride from Tiberius, where you can find a nice hotel to stay.
The most Luxury hotel is the Scot’s Hotel with great room, food, and Service.
If you wish to have a more rural atmosphere the nearest Kibbuts is Ginosar (the ancient Genassaret – where the Ancient Boat was found.
Another Nice option is the Setai Hotel that was recently opened with nice private rooms just next to the Lack.
Nice Restaurants Near Capernaum:
At the site itself, you can only buy some cold drinks, all the restaurants are with 20-30 ride from the site.
Most of the restaurants in the area serve the famous fried St. Peter fish and you can have a set Menu for 20-25us$ per person.
Some of the restaurants are open only for groups or private tours (like St. Peter Fish restaurant).
One of the best restaurants in the area is the Magdalena Restaurant “the first Arab-gourmet restaurant” that serves Galilee-style Arabic food.
If Fish is your favorite a nice option is the Fish restaurant at Kibbutz Ein Gev that serves St. Peter Fish, Forel, and more..
If Meat is your favorite a great choice is the Moshbutz restaurant at Ramot and the Tibi’s Restaurant at Vered Hagalil.
Travel Information:
There is no public transportation to the site, and you have a long walk from the nearby Bus Stop.
The best way to get there is with a rented car / private tour.
There is free parking at the site, all the visits if outdoor and can be very hot during summer days.
There is an admission fee of 10 Nis per person, and a modest dress is required.
Most of the visit is accessible for disabled.
There are no free tours offered at the site / from Tiberias hotels.
There are daily tours for Individual tourist from Tel Aviv (Takes more than 4 hours round trip drive), and every Friday from Haifa.
If you want to read more about Pilgrimage highlights nearby Capernaum, please read this: