The Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes
Tabgha, Tiberias
4.2
Introduction
The Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes is located in Tabgha, on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, to commemorate the miracle of Jesus feeding 5000 people with five loaves of bread and two fish. In the 4th century, believers built a Byzantine-style church here, which was expanded in the 5th century. However, the church was destroyed during the turmoil of the 7th century. Excavations starting in the 1930s uncovered the existing exquisite 5th-century Byzantine-style mosaic floors and other precious historical artifacts.
The present-day church was rebuilt in 1982, with mosaic patterns of fishes and loaves of bread, which can be commonly seen on various tourist souvenirs. It is said that the stone under the church's altar is the exact location where the miracle of the loaves and fishes took place. The church is simple and unpretentious, with intricately designed local water birds, flowers, and other patterns on the floor, adding to its charm. In a glass case on the right side of the church's sanctuary, remnants of the 4th-century foundations can be seen, while the 5th-century grindstone and water vessels are placed in the courtyard. Opening hours 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
