CAPERNAUM (KFAR NAHUM)

Both Jews and Christians hold this site dear. It was where Jesus lived for some time and where he admonished the residents in strong language. After his crucifixion and the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, many Jews fled here and soon developed a prosperous trading and fishing community.

The ruins of the splendid late 2nd- or early 3rd-century synagogue include the basalt-paved west street, a Corinthian capital adorned with symbols of a menora and a shofar, architectural fragments containing the Magen David (David's Shield), floral ornaments and the benches of the elders. The lateral nave has four reconstructed columns. The second from the right carries a Greek inscription honouring the Jewish donors.

The land was purchased in 1894 by Franciscan fathers who rebuilt a monastery next to the synagogue. The church is on the site of a 4th-century structure marking St. Peter's house. (Nearby is a Greek Orthodox Church.) Open: seven days a week: 8.30 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. Entrance fee.

Retrace the route to the main road and turn left on Road No. 90. The area is saturated with vineyards, olive groves, tall palms and orchards. Pass by Kibbutz Ginosar and its marvellous Guest House. The brand-new Yigal Allon Museum of the Galilee is located here, as is the 2,000-year-old boat recently found in the Sea of Galilee. Both are well worth a visit.

Entrance fee: NIS 8. Open Sun. -Thurs. 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Fri. 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tel. (06)721495, (06)722905. Pass Tree View beach, Tamar beach and camping site, Migdal camping site and Villa Melchett beach and camping site. All this is in the biblically-referred-to Land of Gennesaret (Mark 6:53).

At a point only 4 km. north of Tiberias you arrive at the fishing village of Migdal (on the right). It is said to be the birthplace of Mary Magdalene. Towards the end of the Second Temple it was a flourishing Galilee city. Josephus Flavius fortified it before switching loyalty.

Round the curves of the shore-front road and enter Tiberias.