Late Bloomer: Israel Day 4 - Capernum, Caesaria Philippi, Golan Heights and Tel Dan

Capernum

At the authentic ruins of Capernum there is a Synagogue and the house of Peter. The synagogue was built later than the 1st century but was most likely built on the ruins of the 1st century building. Under the "imported" stone of the building you can see the foundations of another builing that was made with local volcanic stone. The 1st century synagogue would have been the site for a number of Gospel events. There is another building which may have been the house of Peter. There is a church built on stilts over the site.

Synagogue at Capernum

Caesaria Philippi

Caesaria Philippi is at the base of Mt. Hermon and is the site of springs feeding the Jordan River. The site was also the center of a Greek pagan temple in the 3rd century. No biblical account exists of Jesus visiting the city itself but Peter's confession and the transfiguration were nearby (Matt 16:13).

Springs and ruins at Caesaria Philippi

Golan Heights

The tour took us to an overlook in the Golan Heights. The Golan Heights were taken from Syria during the Six Day War in 1967. Before Israel occupied the heights, they were used by Syrians to daily shell the towns in the lower areas on the west side of the Sea of Galilee.

Tel Dan

We visited the Tel Dan Nature Preserve. There was a short hike through the woods to the site of "High Place of Jeroboam" with evidence of a 4 cornered altar. At that site are some beautiful views of the countryside. There is also a gate which dates back to 1800 B.C.