Galilee

A view on the Church of Annunciation, where Angel Gabriel appeared before Virgin Mary (Luke 1:26-38).

From the inside the roof is white, which symbolizes the purity of a lily.

The Church is divided into 2 floors. The lower part is dedicated to the Annunciation and is made in a very strict style with few ornaments.

The upper floor (on the photo), dedicated to the Virgin is very richly decorated. Unfortunately, one cannot see it here, but around its perimeter there are many different pieces of art depicting Mary and donated by different countries. The Japanese Madonna, for example, was in a kimono; the English picture was rather abstract, etc. It is controversial if a church should be turned into an art gallery, but it looked nice there.

A sculpture in a wall of St. Joseph's Church, where the Holy Family lived after returning from Egypt.

The Sea of Galilee.

Near the entry to Capernaum, the town of Jesus, which then was a flourishing town with about 50,000 population. Now there are some excavations of the old houses and of the synagogue, where Jesus often preached. He found many of his disciples here.

The house of apostle St. Peter was in Capernaum and Christ visited it often. Now there is a modern Catholic church, of a very original design: literally, it hangs over the holy place without touching it! (A few pillars prop up the whole construction.) Unluckily, it is generally closed and opens for special occasions only.

Here is another view of Capernaum with the church in the background.

Tabgha is the place of the multiplication of fish and bread, when Jesus fed the multitude who had come to hear him preach (Math. 14:16-20).

The gibbous stone is the place, where Jesus began dividing the food. The famous Mosaic of the Loaves and the Fishes can be seen in front of it.

The River Jordan near the traditional Baptism site. (Where it leaves the Sea of Galilee.)

Touching the Holy Water.

Also we met there some people from the States, who were more daring than we and chose a far more serious option.