Israel and You Spaces and Places in Israel
Mount of the Beatitudes (Mt. Eremos)
This is the traditional site where Jesus is believed to have delivered the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7 and Luke 6). “Beatitude” refers to the words “Blessed are….” which appear in the Sermon on the Mount.
“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 sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
The actual location of the Sermon on the Mount is uncertain.
The Byzantine Church of the Beatitudes (Church of the Sermon on the Mount)
On the Mount of the Beatitudes just across the road between The Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fish in Tabgha and the Church of the Primacy of Peter in Capernaum are the remains of the 4th century Byzantine Church of the Beatitudes. The church was in use till the 7th century.
The pilgrim Egeria (ca. 381 CE) writes, “Near the Church of the Loaves and Fishes goes the public highway on which the Apostle Matthew had his place of Customs. Nearby on a mountain is the cave to which the Savior climbed and spoke the Beatitudes.”
Current Catholic Franciscan Chapel
When Italian dictator Benito Mussolini commissioned the modern church between 1936-38. A site higher up the hill with a better view of Lake Kinneret was chosen. The modern church was designed by the architect Antonio Barluzzi. In front of the church, the symbols on the pavement represent Justice, Prudence, Fortitude, Charity, Faith and Temperance. Inside the church hangs the cloak from Pope Paul VI’s visit in 1964.
Opening Hours: Daily 8:30-12 & 145:30-17:00; Closes at 16:00 in winter
3D Virtual Tour of outside of the Church of the Beatitudes
3D Virtual Tour of inside of the Church of the Beatitudes I
3D Virtual Tour of inside of the Church of the Beatitudes II
