Starting the day on the Sea of Galilee, our group sailed from Tiberius to Capernaum, or Caphernaum as it’s written on the sign outside. The lake and the view from it are beautiful.
In Capernaum (or Caphernaum), we visited what is left of a limestone Synagogue built on top of the remains of the Synagogue where Jesus taught (that one was built from basalt rock).
Out in front of the synagogue ruins is a current synagogue, but something was found beneath it… the oldest structure found was a small circular domicile, found complete with eating utensils and cooking tools, believed by some to be the house of Peter based on location. A synagogue was built on top of that (octagonal shape), followed by the current synagogue which remains today.
We also visited the site which was most likely the site where Jesus preached the sermon on the mount (Matthew 5:3-10). Based on the location and agriculture, as well as this naturally formed “theater” on the side of the mountain. The acoustics would have allowed everyone to hear.
Magdala was a major port city on the Sea of Galilee in the first century. It is between Capernaum and Tiberius and was the home of Mary Magdalene. Archaeological discoveries in 2009 have allowed for the uncovering of an ancient Jewish community in Magdala that date to the time of Jesus.
The Duc In Altum commemorates the life of Jesus near the Sea of Galilee and in Magdala. The atrium (Women’s Atrium) as you walk in features eight pillars – seven representing the women in the Bible that followed Jesus; the eight honors women of the faith across all time.
There are several chapels within – the Boat Chapel commemorates Jesus preaching from the boat. You can see the port through the windows in this chapel.
The other chapels have room for 30 people, each with a mosaic depicting a biblical event near the Sea of Galilee. The Encounter Chapel is modeled after the structure of the Magdala First Century Synagogue. The mural on the wall here touched each of us in a very special way — the encounter between Jesus and the bleeding woman who had the faith to be healed if she could just touch a bit of his garment… (Mark 5:25-34)
