Mount of Beatitudes (Mount Eremos) (Israel)
City:
State, Province, Region, or District:
Northern District, Galilee Region
Country:
Israel
Overview
Mount of Beatitudes (Mount Eremos) is the traditional site where Jesus delivered His iconic Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-7:28), although the exact location is often debated. Regardless of the exact location of the Sermon on the Mount, the eight-sided Church of the Beatitudes on the slope of Mount Eremos commemorates the event. This octagonal church was built in 1937 by Italian architect Antonio Barluzzi for a Franciscan order of nuns. The eight sides of the church represent the eight beatitudes shown in Latin in the upper windows. A Byzantine church was erected here in the 4th century and was used until the 7th century. Its ruins have been discovered just a little downhill from the present-day church.
Overlooking the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee, the Mount of Beatitudes offers a breathtaking view of the northern part of the lake and across to the cliffs of the Golan Heights on the other side. Within sight are the scenes of many of the events of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee, including the town of Capernaum approximately 2 miles away. Just below the mount is Sower’s Cove, where it is believed Jesus taught the Parable of the Sower (Mark 4:1-9) from a boat moored in the bay.
Alternate Names
Mount of Beatitudes; Mount Eremos; Mount Nahum; Mount of Happiness (Osher)
Geography & Location
Mount Eremos, also known as the Mount of Beatitudes, is a small hill in the northern part of Israel, near the Sea of Galilee.
Biblical, Historical, & Archaeological Background Information
The Sermon on the Mount is the most complete and famous teaching Christ preached. It’s 3 chapters long and is found in Matthew 5-7.
Architecture
The Church of the Beatitudes, an elegant octagonal building with colonnaded cloisters, blends into the slope rather than dominating it. It was built in 1938 for a Franciscan order of nuns, to a design by Italian architect Antonio Barluzzi - and partly financed by the Italian fascist dictator Benito Mussolini.
Biblical & Historical References
The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-7:28).
Spiritual Lessons and Application
Christ began His sermon by clarifying the principles of true blessings in life. Do we understand each principle and are we living them out?
Etymology
Beatitudes – originates from the Latin words “Beati” – blessed, which is the prefix of each verse.
Places of Interest
Entrance