The Mount of Beatitudes has a strong significance in Christian and Jewish history; many of the faithful believe that it is the location where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Located in Tabgha, Israel, The Mount of Beatitudes is quite the tourist attraction on the northwestern shore of the Galilee.
Structures and Attractions near the Mount
The Mount is approximately 17.5 meters above the Sea of Galilee and from the Mount; visitors can see the eight-sided Church of Mount of Beatitudes. The Church is located on the slope of the mount. According to some sources, the basilica of the church was built sometime between 1936 and 1938, designed by Antonio Barluzzi, a famous Italian church architect.
The eight sides of the church are symbolic of the eight beatitudes:
- Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.
- Blessed are those who mourn: for they will be comforted.
- Blessed are 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 who are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Gardens and a monastery have been erected in the area of the Church of Mount of Beatitudes; visitors can gather in the gardens to contemplate or to listen to sermons or observe other religious rituals. The monastery was completed in 1922 and houses the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. There, visitors can attend prayer courses and study. There are plans to expand the housing facility to increase the number of rooms for visitors in the guest house and to create a retreat center.
Notable Sites Visible from the Mount and the Church of Beatitudes
From the Mount of Beatitudes and the church, visitors can see the locations where Jesus ministered in Galilee, including his home, three kilometers away in Capernaum; Sower’s Cave, where Jesus is said to have taught the Parable of the Sower from a boat in the bay.
The Mount of Beatitudes is believed to be the site where Jesus came to his disciples after his resurrection and instructed them to go out into the world. Monuments on the crest of Eremos Hill feature quotes delivered by Jesus – including Matthew 28 16-20, when Jesus told his disciples to “go teach all nations.”
Located along the Jesus Trail in the Holy Land, the Mount is open to visitors from 8 am-11:30am & 2:30pm-4:40pm and admission is 5 shekels per car.
If you’re interested in scheduling a vacation to explore the Mount of Beatitudes and the nearby locations, we can help you to create the perfect Christian Israel tour to the Holy Land.
We would like to offer this selection of churches in the Holy Land that are off the beaten trail for you, please click to download.
