Travel to the Holy Land and Visit The Church of Beatitudes Chapel during your Christian Holy Land Tour of Israel

The Church of the Beatitudes: A Sacred Site Above Galilee

The famous and scenic Church of the Beatitudes stands atop the serene Mount of Beatitudes. Built between 1936 and 1938 by renowned architect Antonio Barluzzi, this sacred chapel honors the site traditionally believed to be where Jesus preached the life-changing Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7).

You’ll visit this holy and tranquil site on the 5th day of our signature Christian pilgrimage Holy Land Tour of Israel. Many pilgrims describe their visit here as one of the most memorable and spiritually moving moments in their journey through the Holy Land.

A Testament of Faith Through Architecture

Designed in the graceful Byzantine style, the church’s entrance is adorned with mosaic symbols of the cardinal and theological virtues: Justice, Prudence, Fortitude, Temperance, Faith, Hope, and Charity. The church’s unique octagonal floor-plan represents the eight Beatitudes taught by Christ.

The interior features marble veneer on the lower walls and a gold mosaic dome that elevates the soul toward heaven. Notably, a cloak worn by Pope Paul VI during his 1964 visit is on display, symbolizing the enduring connection between modern-day faith and the sacred past. Both Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass at this revered site during their Holy Land pastoral visits.

Pilgrimage Tradition Since the 4th Century

The Church of the Beatitudes continues a rich legacy of Christian pilgrimage. Since the 4th century, believers have journeyed to this hill to remember Christ’s teachings. In her pilgrimage letter written between 381–384 AD, the Christian pilgrim Egeria mentioned this site after describing the Church of the Loaves and Fishes, writing: "Near there on a mountain is the cave to which the Savior climbed and spoke the Beatitudes."

The current church sits near the ruins of a 4th-century Byzantine chapel, complete with a rock-cut cistern and remains of a small monastery. A portion of the original mosaic flooring is now preserved and displayed in Capernaum, a town closely associated with the ministry of Jesus.

The Mount’s Spiritual Atmosphere and Legacy

Renowned biblical scholar Jerome Murphy-O’Connor reflected on why this site was chosen: “It was perhaps inevitable that this well-watered area with its shade trees on the shore of the Sea of Galilee... should have been identified as the location of two episodes involving the consumption of food: the multiplication of the loaves and fishes and the conferral on St. Peter of the responsibility of leadership after a fish breakfast. Then it became convenient to localize the Sermon on the Mount on the small hill nearby.”

Whether or not this is the precise hill where Jesus taught, the Church of the Beatitudes sits in a setting closely resembling what the Lord would have seen. Visitors today can gaze over the Sea of Galilee and imagine hearing Christ speak His message of hope, humility, and righteousness. Many Holy Land Church groups pause here for prayer, Scripture reading, and reflection, often overwhelmed by the power of God’s Word made tangible in this serene place.

The Beatitudes: Words That Transcend Time

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake (Matthew 5:3–11 KJV).