Saint Peter’s Church has a special place in the Christian religion, as it stands in the area where St. Peter was said to have lived and worked as a fisherman. Dating back to the 12th century, the church has a mixed history and has served as a mosque and animal stables. Admire the 19th-century façade of this church, which stands beside a monastery.
In reference to St. Peter’s role as a fisherman, the narrow, sunken windows resemble the portholes of marine vessels. Admire the colorful depictions representing scenes and figures from the Bible on these stained-glass windows. Notice the fresco of St. Peter in a sailboat.
Study the 19th-century replica by the artist Arnolfo di Cambio of the iconic St. Peter sculpture that stands in the Vatican. It depicts the disciple sitting pensively on a chair on a pedestal. The chains beside the statue are thought to symbolize those that bound St. Peter.
Spot the paintings, from the early 1900s, of Jesus on the Sea of Galilee. Inspect other intriguing memorials, such as the tributes left by the Polish soldiers who stayed here during World War II. These items feature the Black Madonna of Czestochowa and speak of the Catholic church in Poland.
Consider the varied history of the church, which was initially constructed in the 1100s and was a Crusader church administered by the Koinonia Giovanni Battista community in Italy. Following the Battle of Hattin near the end of the 12th century, it became a mosque. Note that the Franciscans used the site as a stable for animals in the 1700s, before later turning it back into the church.
Find Saint Peter’s Church in the heart of the Old City district of Tiberias. Ride a bus to one of the nearby stops or get around this central area on foot. While here, make sure to investigate neighboring highlights such as the Sculpture Garden Museum, the Tomb of Maimonides and Blue Beach.
