Top 10 Galilean Destinations for Christian Tours

As the Holy Week fast approaches, more and more people are going on Christian tours to be one with the whole faith in observing the religious tradition. Pilgrimages are often the most preferred activity of many as it combines professing of faith with travel and discovery.


Of course, the first place to come to mind is Jerusalem. But if you wish to avert from the usual, maybe you can consider these places in Galilee, another major venue for Christ’s teachings:

1.  The Gospel Trail

Also known as the ‘Jesus Trail’, the Gospel Trail is basically a ‘walk of faith’ within Galilee. It begins in Nazareth and passes through Cana, Arbel National Park, Tabgha, and the Mount of Beatitudes. The venue is often located in itineraries of Christian tours.


2. Tabgha

Believed to be the place where Jesus once fed 5,000 people with five loaves and two fishes, Tabgha is now transformed into a beautiful garden complemented with a church with intricately designed mosaic floors. In Tabgha, there is also the Church of St. Peter’s Primacy, where the apostles saw Jesus after resurrection.


3.  Mount of Beatitudes

Remembering one of the most important scenes in Christian history, you might want to go to the Mount of Beatitudes. There, a church built by the Franciscan Order stands. It is perched on a low hilltop near Tabgha.


4. Mount Tabor

Believed to be the mount where the Transfiguration occurred, Mount Tabor is one of the most favorite pilgrim stations of Christian tours. Now, it is home to the Church of Transfiguration which is quite unique for having a wing for Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic respectively.


5. Kursi National Park

 At the east of Galilee is the Kursi National Park. It is believed to be where Jesus exorcised the demons on two men. A huge monastery and church from the sixth century was excavated on the site, leading to the declaration of the place as a national park.


6. Bethsaida

Bethsaida is quite prominent in the bible as the venue where Jesus performed several miracles. It is located north of the Sea of Galilee and is a favorite destination for pilgrimages.

Image source: Bible Places

7. Yardenit

 It is the junction of Jordan River and Sea of Galilee towards the Dead Sea, and is believed to be the spot where John the Baptist baptized Jesus Christ. Nowadays, pilgrims come to the place to be baptized in the same spot as well.


8. Cana

Remember when Jesus transformed water into wine at a wedding? It happened in Cana. Today, the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George stands there and is home to six vessels which is said to be the ones used by Jesus in performing His miracle.

Image source:
St. George's Church in Cana Photo by Mordagan, Israel Ministry of Tourism


9.    Mary’s Well

A symbol of Nazareth, Mary’s Well is known to be the well where Mary used to bathe Jesus in. Nearby is the St. Gabriel Church of Annunciation (Greek Orthodox) and the Basilica of Annunciation, which Catholics believe to be where Jesus and Mary resided.


10.  Capernaum National Park

Discovered in 1838, the now-Capernaum National Park was basically restored by the Franciscans in the 1960s. It is where the ‘House of Peter’ is located (in which a church have been built), along with many reinstated temples and synagogues.

Lent is the time for thinking and renewing our faith with the Lord. Going on Christian tours will somehow help in fortifying our relationship with the Holy Creator.

Top 10 Special: Where to Lock your Love Locks Around the World

It has been a cute practice of many couples to come to high places like rooftops of buildings or towers to lock locks then throw away the keys. This simple yet romantic act symbolizes an everlasting love and relationship.

Basically, it can be done everywhere. But it gets more fun when you and your loved one actually go to places where it is usually done. If clueless, here are the top destinations where this practice is definitely common:


1. Seoul

Seoul is basically known for cute things and this idea of love locks is one of them. You can buy those cheap tickets to Seoul and visit the 63 Building or Namsan Tower to lock your locks. Furthermore, there are lots of romantic cafés around so after locking the love, you can have a memorable date with your partner.

Image source: Mr Kate - Locks of Love


2. Rome

Inspired by the novel ‘I Want You’ by Federico Moccia, this has somehow been a tradition for many Italians. Interestingly, locks are locked in pathways and bridges like the Ponte Milvio, Ponte Vecchio, and Via Dell’Amore.

Image source: Tumblr


3. Paris

Like in Rome, couples affix their love locks in bridges in Paris. The most famous is the one in Pont de l’Archevêché Bridge. Actually, there also used to have some locks in other bridges but these were allegedly removed by the government because it poses threats to the architectural heritage of Paris.

Image source: Daily Photo Stream - Pont de Larcheveche


4. Fengyuan

At the overpass at the train station can be seen lots of love locks. In this part of Taiwan, the common thing is to affix two locks together and wish that the couples who locked it will stay together. Locals believe that the magnetic energy produced by the passing trains below will in turn produce energy to make the wish come true.

Image source: Kaminoge - Fengyuan Love Locks


5. Moscow

As there are lots of iron trees in Moscow, Russia, people decided to affix their locks there. But usually, newly-wed couples who wish to last long lock theirs at the Luzhkov Bridge.

Image source: Other Moscow


6. Cologne

The idea of love locks had started in Cologne, Germany on 2009. It was first seen at the Hohenzollem Bridge. The operators opposed but eventually gave in because of public opposition. Then, the practice spread across other cities much to the lovers’ delight.

Image source: Panoramio


7. Huangshan

You will easily get amazed by the fact that almost all metal fences leading to the peak of Huangshan in China are clad with locks affixed by couples who wish for eternal love. It is believed that this practice symbolizing locking souls together started here. Most tours to China visit Huangshan so you may want to take advantage of that.

Image source: icePice - Love Lock Symbol of Love Luck



 
8. Prague

It is particularly famous in the Mala Strana District in Prague, Czechoslovakia. Locks are affixed at a small bridge near the Grand Priory Square. It is quite famous that the metal fences can no longer be seen. You will surely have fun attaching yours to it.

Image source: Maya Photography - Prague Locks of Love


9. Uruguay

Love locks has become a cultural tradition in Uruguay. In the fountain in Montevideo, - where couples usually go for this practice - is a sign stating a legend believing that if two love locks with the initials of the couple engraved on it will be affixed in the fountain, the two will forever be locked with each other.

Image source: Inspiring Travellers - Montevideo's Love Locks Fountain


10. Guam

When in Guam with your partner, make sure to drop by the Two Lovers’ Point to lock your locks. There is a deck there which overlooks the ocean where you can affix the metal locks. Sometimes, plastic bag tags are used.

Image source: Everything-Everywhere - Two Lover's Point in Guam


Definitely, there are other exciting things to do for the Valentines’ season. But perhaps, this love-locking practice is one of the most famous. So fly to your chosen destination now and secure your love.