Jesus Boat, Sea of Galilee tour & Magdala
Written by Zvika Gasner Koheleth, 11-July-2023. Photography by Angela Hechtfisch
Ancient Sea of Galilee Boat (also known as) the Jesus Boat
The Ancient Sea of Galilee Boat, better known as the Jesus Boat, is an ancient fishing boat from the time of the life of Jesus, thus 1st century AD. In 1986, due to a drought year, the Sea of Galilee water receded, and the boat was revealed on its northwest shores at Kibbutz Ginosar jurisdiction by brothers Moshe and Yuval Lufan, fishermen with a keen love for archaeology. Other than the dating to the time of life of Jesus, there is no direct evidence to relate the boat to Jesus or any of his 12th disciples. The boat nowadays is displayed at the Yigal Alon Museum hall at Kibbutz Ginosar. A 7 minutes clip telling the story of the finding and later recovering the boat from the mud is shown before the exhibition. Entry fees for an adult are 7 USD.
For more Christian Churches & places located around the Sea Of Galilee, such as the “Church of the Multiplication”, the “Church of the Beatitudes”, the “Capernaum’s Greek Orthodox Church” and more, click here.
Jesus-Boat-like water tour
The pier of Ginosar is just outside the museum, and you are invited to take a Christain old-like boat tour over the Sea of Galilee. Most tours are for groups, up to 25 personals; however, you can book individually for a 25-minute round trip costing (between) 12 to 20 USD a person, depending on your bazaar negotiating skills. While on board, you will most likely hear prayers, gospel preaching, or both. For the Jesus-Boat water trip, click here for more details.
The remains of Magdala
Magdala was an ancient Jewish fisherman town on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee, 3 km from the Kibbutz on Ginosar. It is believed to be the birthplace of Mary Magdalene; some suggest Mary and Jesus were in a relationship, and the gospels state she traveled with Jesus as one of his followers and was a witness to his crucifixion and resurrection outside Jerusalem old city walls, nowadays located at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Archaeological excavations at Magdala remains found that the settlement began during the Hellenistic period and ended during the late Roman period. Later excavations in 2009–2013 revealed an ancient synagogue called the “Migdal Synagogue,” dating from the 2nd Temple period. At the core of the synagogue, which is the oldest found in the entire Galilee region, lies the famous Magdala “Rosette” stone, which has a seven-branched menorah symbol carved on it. It is the earliest menorah of that period discovered outside Jerusalem. Entry fees for an adult are 7 USD.
Duc In Altum Church at Magdala
The Church of “Duc In Altum” (derives from Luke 5:4, where Jesus instructs Simon Peter to “launch into the deep”) provides a place for prayer, teaching, and worship for Christians of all backgrounds and denominations.
The modern & puristic Church comprises six chapels, including the main boat chapel encapsulating the beautiful view of the sea waters, four smaller lateral mosaic chapels, and an atrium dedicated to women.
Judging by their looks, this is our number 1 pick of all churches we have seen in Israel. Click here to read more about Duc In Altum.
