The Church of St. Peter in Tiberias embodies centuries of history, rooted in the time of the Crusaders. Built on the foundations of an earlier mosque—traces of which remain visible—the site has undergone several transformations. It was later restored as a mosque, expanded during the Ottoman period, and served as a caravanserai. By the late 19th century, the current church was constructed, its architecture imbued with the symbolism of a boat, reflecting the early Christians' connection to the Sea of Galilee.
This nautical theme ties directly to a story from the New Testament, where Jesus appeared to fishermen on the Kinneret and called Peter (Simon) to become his disciple. In the church’s courtyard, a statue of St. Peter, installed in 1833, mirrors its counterpart in St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, emphasizing the site’s spiritual significance.
A notable feature is the memorial plaque dedicated to Polish soldiers from Anders' Army, a unit formed in the Soviet Union, later relocated to Iran, and partially stationed in Palestine during World War II. This plaque honors their role in the region, bridging the local history of Tiberias with a global narrative of courage and perseverance.
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.
