The leaning tower of Tiberias, with its unique and captivating tilt, became an unofficial emblem of the city as early as the late 19th century when its striking tilt was captured in the first photographs of the area. Built on Crusader-era walls by Dahir al-Omar’s builders, the fortress wall and its tower are reminders of the city’s layered history. However, the lack of foundational calculations caused the tower to lean, giving it a unique and picturesque appearance.
This architectural curiosity, often affectionately referred to as the "Pisa Tower of Tiberias," Shares a charming imperfection and timeless grace with its Italian counterpart. This comparison, almost inevitable, offers Tiberias its version of an iconic leaning landmark, connecting it to a global heritage of architectural wonders.
A stroll along the Tiberias promenade, a mere hour-long, is a journey through time. It's a place where the lives of Prague and Vitebsk rabbis intersect with the legacies of Israeli generals and politicians. Here, the figures of Roman rulers, Jewish sages, medieval knights, and Muslim merchants, a diverse ensemble of history, come to life.
Initially, it may appear as a modest waterfront in a small lakeside town. However, it harbours numerous unexpected twists of history, stories that are now known to only a few, offering a surprising peek into the layered past of this remarkable city.