Sea of Galilee

Sea of Galilee – Kinneret

The Sea of Galilee, or Kinneret in Hebrew, had a central role in the life of Jesus Christ.
Here you will find everything you need to know before visiting this holy site!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                


Why is Sea of Galilee important?

Much of the ministry of Jesus occurs on the shores of the Sea of Galilee.
Jesus recruited four of his apostles from the shores of the Sea of Galilee: the fishermen Simon and his brother Andrew, as well as the brothers John and James.

Many of his miracles are also said to have occurred here including his walking on water, calming the storm, the disciples and the miraculous catch of fish, and his feeding five thousand people (and another four thousand).
In John’s Gospel the sea provides the setting for Jesus’ third post-resurrection appearance to his disciples.
All in all, this is where the magic happens.

Sea of Galilee - Kinneret
Sea of Galilee (Kinneret) from above | Zachi Evenor and User:MathKnight, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              


Where is Sea of Galilee located?

It is located in northeast Israel, between the Golan Heights and the Galilee region, in the Jordan Rift Valley.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        


What are the main Christian attractions in Sea of Galilee?

There are many Christian attractions on the shores of the Sea of Galilee and in the surrounding area, such as CapernaumTabgha and Mount of Beatitudes.

A fabulous attraction is the site where the Sea of Galilee’s water flows into the Jordan River. Every year thousands of pilgrims from all over the world come to be baptized at this location.

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What should I know before visiting Sea of Galilee?

Though it looks calm from above, there are strong currents in the Sea of Galilee. For your safety, only swim in areas where there are lifeguards in charge.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      


Are there any fun facts about Sea of Galilee?

Of course!

  • The Sea of Galilee is the lowest freshwater lake on Earth! It is at levels ranging between 215 meters (705 ft.) and 209 meters (686 ft.) below sea level.
  • It is also the second-lowest lake in the world (after the Dead Sea, a saltwater lake also in Israel).
  • Israel’s National Water Carrier, completed in 1964, transports water from the lake to the population centers of Israel. In the past it supplied most of the country’s drinking water. However, nowadays the lake only supplies approximately 10% of Israel’s drinking water needs.
  • Under the terms of the Israel–Jordan peace treaty, Israel supplies 50,000,000 cubic meters (1.8×109 cu ft.) of water annually from the lake to the Kingdom of Jordan.