In the ancient town of Capernaum are two significant historic sites. Archaeologists uncovered a synagogue that dates to Jesus' time beneath the remains of a second synagogue built around the fourth or fifth century AD. This may be the very synagogue where Jesus spoke according to accounts in the Gospels. The other significant site is believed to be the very residence that St. Peter lived in. When traveling in Israel, you are often told that sites are not always precise. The location of St. Peter's house is very likely the exact spot where Peter lived. The location is commemorated with a church, suspended in an amazing architectural design, above the remains of the former residence and a much older church.
Near the Synagogue in Capernaum, archaeologists discovered an early Byzantine era church. Beneath this church was a residence that dated to the first century AD. This places the residence in the exact era of Jesus' teachings. More significantly, this house underwent major reconstruction in the mid to late first century. The early Christian church primarily met in synagogues or homes. What was unusual about this find is that the house had been plastered over from floor to ceiling. The cooking utensils and normal pottery had been replaced by large storage containers. Later improvements to the simple structure included subsequent plaster and painted designs on the walls. A new arch was added to support a stone roof. The early church had graffiti in the walls with Christian prayers and etchings. It was replaced in the fifth century with an octagonal church that was built of sturdy materials that survive today. The octagonal church is readily visible beneath the new church.
The Sea of Galilee is easily accessible from this location. It provides an incredible scenic backdrop for the modern church, suspended above the remains of the early church and residence. While the evidence for this location is circumstantial, all archaeology is circumstantial. Sometimes archaeologists get lucky and find some written evidence. In this case, there are many layers of evidence that suggest that this location was the true location of Peter's home. It was revered by early Christians dating back to a time before Christians built churches. It is the most important site in Capernaum to Christians based on the early churches, graffiti and improvements made to the structure. There is a clear lineage of this location dating back to a first century home beneath the early places of worship. What place would be more venerated by early Christians than the home where Jesus resided when he was in Capernaum? Personally, there is no doubt in my mind that this was once the house of Saint Peter.
Veiw of Saint Peter's Church from the Synagogue
Interior of the Church of St. Peter
Glass floor at center of Church
The church was built to venerate the location beneath. As such, the church was suspended over the archaeological find with glass windows allowing visitors to see down into the ancient church below. The octagonal church whose walls are readily visible dates back to the fifth century, which is impressive enough. That structure was a two story building. The remnants of the residence are also still somewhat visible around the perimeter of the octagonal church. The neighboring basalt rock structures adjacent to St. Peter's house show what the residences would have looked like in the first century. Some of those same structures remain at this location as well.
View from the Chapel
One of the central features of the church are the large glass windows. The windows give visitors amazing views of the Sea of Galilee. It provides an amazing backdrop for people coming to pray and reflect on the origins of our religion. It is scenic and serene. Beautiful architecture designed to highlight and protect the remains of the early church and home of Peter. The windows overlooking the Sea of Galilee are a bonus. The natural beauty compliments the architecture in a way that only God's creation could. It is an amazing structure with a rich history.
View from the Chapel
Another significant archaeological find in Capernaum was a pillar that was inscribed with the name Zebedee. This pillar dates from the fifth century, so is unlikely the same Zebedee, who would have been father to two of the disciples. Unless the pillar were some sort of memorial. But it is interesting that a family name appears upon the pillar. It interested me enough to snap this photo, although I did not use it in part of my reasoning for why I felt this location held such a strongly implied connection to Peter.
The final item of interest related to Peter in Capernaum is a statue with its back to the Sea of Galilee. I was catching a lot of morning son and was not able to get the best shot of the statue. But I did get a decent enough photo to share. This is the statue of Peter that sit to the right of the Church as you enter Capernaum.
A Christian Guide to Israel
Hotels
Cinema Hotel Tel Aviv, Israel
Ron Beach Hotel, Tiberias, Israel
Prima Park Hotel, Jerusalem, Israel
Attractions
Caesarea National Park Caesarea, Israel
Mount Precipice Mount Kedimum, Israel
Sea of Galilee Boat Ride Tiberias, Israel
Yigal Alon Museum (Jesus Boat) Ginosar, Israel
Capernaum, Israel
St. Peter’s Restaurant
Caesarea Philippi Banias Springs, Israel
Israeli 6-Day War Memorial
Jordan River Baptismal Site, Yardenit, Israel
Beit She’an National Park, Beit She’an, Israel
Mount of Olives, Jerusalem, Israel
Garden Tomb, Jerusalem, Israel
Western Wall, Jerusalem, Israel
Western Wall Tunnels, Jerusalem, Israel
Via Dolorosa, Jerusalem, Israel
Bethlehem New Store Gift Shop
Pool of Bethesda, Jerusalem, Israel
Israel Museum, Jerusalem, Israel
Yad Vashem, Jerusalem, Israel
House of Caiaphas the High Priest, Jerusalem, Israel
The Upper Room, Jerusalem, Israel
Tomb of King David, Jerusalem, Israel
Masada National Park, Masada, Israel
The Dead Sea, Masada, Israel
Churches
Discalced Carmelite Monastery Muhraqa, Israel
Basilica of the Annunciation Nazareth, Israel
St. Peter’s Church, Capernaum, Israel
Church of the Multiplication Tabgha, Israel
Church of the Beatitudes Tabgha, Israel
Church of All Nations, Jerusalem, Israel
Church of Saint Anne, Jerusalem, Israel
Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Jerusalem, Israel
Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem, Israel
These photos are my own. They may be used with permission.