A photo story of Mount of Beatitudes

Mount of Beatitudes israel galilee
The view from Mount of Beatitudes is simply beautiful

We drove to Mount of Beatitudes from Tiberias, after a delectable lunch comprising pretty good St Peter’s fish. The drive was about 20 minutes, along a winding path up the hill. The view of the Sea of Galilee from the Mount is just great, you can see an intersection between two hills, and some settlements by the water’s edge.

Mount of Beatitudes israel galilee
By the water’s edge – A photo story of Mount of Beatitudes

For non-Christians, the Mount of Beatitudes is the place in which Jesus gave the Sermon on Mount. The Beatitudes (blessings) which can be found the Gospel of Matthew, comprises 8 blessings, which can be seen as you walk through the garden towards the church.

Mount of Beatitudes gardens israel
It’s great just to sit by the steps and read a book.

There were Christian tour groups present when we got there. In the garden, they read the bible, presumably reading that particular chapter on the eight blessings. It was a quiet, serene place to spend the afternoon on this cool day in spring, a sharp contrast to what we had experienced in Cairo some days earlier.

Mount of Beatitudes israel church
Pathway to the church
A photo story of Mount of Beatitudes
This could be an administrative building for staff, or a place where the church’s staff live. 
Mount of Beatitudes gardens israel
En route to the church. It’s a nice garden.
Mount of Beatitudes gardens israel
I love the cactus!
Mount of Beatitudes gardens moon
And a half-moon on this sunny day. It’s actually not uncommon to see a daytime moon.
A photo story of Mount of Beatitudes
Mount of Beatitudes – as you walk through the garden en route to the church, key teachings from the Sermon of Mount will accompany you.

The Church

The church is a working one, and has a simple chapel for visitors to explore. According to Wikipedia, Pope John Paul II celebrated a mass at this site in March 2000. The Jesus Trail pilgrimage route connects the Mount to other sites from the life of Jesus.

Mount of Beatitudes israel church
The Roman Catholic Church, which was built in 1938 following plans by Italian architect Antonio Barluzzi.
Mount of Beatitudes israel church
Sweet little chapel
Mount of Beatitudes israel church
A photo story of Mount of Beatitudes – the church.
Mount of Beatitudes israel church
The painted ceiling.
Mount of Beatitudes israel church
Lavs Tibi Christe – in Latin. In English, it means, ‘Praise be to Christ.’
Mount of Beatitudes israel church
Peep from inside the chapel – it’s a good view.

The Travelling Squid’s Take

Mount of Beatitudes gardens bird
Caught a bird in flight – part of the photo story of Mount of Beatitudes

If you wish to see a different side of Israel, from the hip and happening city of Tel Aviv, the Mount of Beatitudes is a 2.5 hour drive. You don’t have to be a believer to visit the hill, to appreciate its calm, peace and serenity. I managed to catch a bird mid-flight! Tabgha, the place in which Jesus fed the multitude of 5,000 with two fishes and five loaves, is a short 10 minute drive away. Will be touching more on it in the next post.

Comments are closed.