SEA OF GALILEE ISRAEL
THE SEA OF GALILEE
Lake Tiberias in Israel, also known as the Sea of Galilee, Lake Gennosar, or Lake Kinneret, is located in the northeastern part of the country, near the city of Tiberias.
The reservoir has acquired many names due to its location. Lake Tiberias received its modern name after it was founded on its western shore in the 1st century AD. The name "Sea of Galilee" came from the Bible - this is how the holy book was called the reservoir that washes the eastern coast of Galilee. Other names have come from ancient times. It is believed that the Galilee city that existed in the 17th century BC was called the Kinneret or Gennesaret and is described in the New Testament as well.
The Sea of Galilee is a freshwater body with an area of about 160 sq. kilometers and a depth of up to 45 meters. It has a tectonic origin - like the Dead Sea, The region of Galilee was formed as a result of a fracture of the earth's crust.
Lake Kinneret is of great importance for Israel, many historical events are associated with it, thanks to which thousands of tourists come here every year. Also, the reservoir is the main source of fresh water in the country.
SEA OF GALILEE WATER LEVEL TODAY
Unfortunately, in recent years, sad news has begun to emerge that the Kinneret Lake in Israel is drying up. The water level in it has always depended on the amount of precipitation and the activity of water intake for economic activities. Several dry winters led to significant shallowing, which led to unpleasant consequences. The consumption of water from the lake was greatly reduced, but this did not save the situation. The Israeli government has decided to pump 100 million cubic meters of water into the reservoir annually—meters of freshwater until 2022.
The last winters of 2018 and 2019 were extremely good and brought a lot of water, finally, the Sea of Galilee has a decent level of water and runs above the black line.
THE SEA OF GALILEE IN THE BIBLE AND ART
Lake Tiberias is a witness to the most important stages in the history of mankind. Even in the early Bronze Age, a "sea route" ran through the reservoir from Egypt to Mesopotamia. In the Bible, Lake Galilee is mentioned in connection with the cities of Kinneret and Tiberias, which became the Jewish center in 70 AD. In 1187, a battle took place near Lake Gennesaret between the Crusaders and the troops of the Ayubian sultan Salah ad-Din.
But the main events that glorified Lake Kinneret all over the world are associated with the life of Jesus Christ. It is believed that it was here that one of the miracles took place - the walking of Jesus Christ on water. Today, on the northern shore of the reservoir in the city of Capernaum (Kfar Nachum), where the Savior lived and preached, archaeological excavations are being carried out and you can visit the oldest church in the world!
Biblical miracles are reflected in the works of painters. among the Russian artists, Vasily Dmitrievich Polenov is notable for the Gospel cycle of paintings depicting Lake Tiberias. another foreign painting, the most famous painting by Rembrandt is "Christ during a storm on the Sea of Galilee." It depicts another miracle of Jesus Christ - the taming of a storm at sea when Christ crossed it with his disciples. After the theft of the painting from the Boston Museum in 1990, the whereabouts of this masterpiece are unknown.
HOLIDAYS ON LAKE KINNERET IN ISRAEL
Of course, the events described attracted a lot of tourists and pilgrims to Kinneret Lake. The sacred cities on their shores with ancient churches and sights will appeal to all lovers of antiquity. But not only this is famous for Lake Tiberias. The comfortable climate, equipped camping, and picturesque nature attract beach lovers to Tiberias.
Israelis love to spend time in the magical lake, especially during the hot summer days! whether it's camping over the weekend or just renting a boutique hotel to run away from the busy city lives.
BEACHES OF LAKE KINNERET
The beaches of Lake Tiberias are divided into official and unofficial. The difference lies in the availability of lifeguards and the level of service. On unofficial beaches, tourists are left to themselves: no one monitors safety, but you can relax for free, and bring sun loungers and tents. Official beaches, as a rule, are paid for, have the necessary infrastructure, and paid parking for cars.
Kinar, Dugit, Golan, Lavnon, Khalukim, and Tsemakh are popular among the official beaches of Lake Kinneret; from the unofficial ones, it is advised to visit Ekev, Tsaalon, Ashlim (Diamond), Duga, Gofra, Susita, Yarden Kinneret, Hukuk, Sapir and Mifratz Amnun.
WEATHER OF SEA OF GALILEE
The weather on Lake Kinneret is warm even in the winter months. The average air temperature in January is +18 ° C and in July - +32 ° C. The only drawback for vacationers can be an unexpected storm. Such phenomena happen often and residents know how to recognize the approach of the elements.
The area is very humid all year long since the lake is located in a big natural pit(the Syrian-African rift) and many people find Kinneret not ideal for relaxing and prefer the Mediterranean Sea or the Red Sea which are less humid but not as magical is the Sea of Tiberius.
FISHING IN THE SEA OF GALILEE
Israel's Sea of Galilee is famous because the apostle Peter himself fished in it. Local restaurants often serve Galilean tilapia(St. Peters fish), which is abundant in Lake Kinneret. Fishermen catch other types of freshwater fish in the reservoir - catfish, carp, and barbel.
HOW TO GET TO LAKE TIBERIAS
Tourists arrive in Israel via Ben Gurion Airport and usually stay in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv, You can get from there to Lake Tiberias in different ways. Organized private tours are usually carried by tour guides selling tours to Kinneret Lake. Individual travelers can get to the city of Tiberias by intercity buses or by rented car.
TRANSFERS TO THE SEA OF GALILEE
Not everyone will decide to travel in an unfamiliar country in a rented car, and not everyone likes group trips in stuffy buses either. Touring with an Israeli private tour guide will help you to solve this dilemma and get to Kinneret Lake in comfort.
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SLAVA BAZARSKY
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