Octagonal Oasis of Peace: The Church of the Beatitudes
Introduction
The Church of Beatitudes is a biblical site that radiates a serene ambiance, an echo of the peace preached by Jesus Christ during his Sermon on the Mount.
Location
The Church of the Beatitudes rests about 150 meters above the hushed northern shores of the Sea of Galilee in Israel. It overlooks the vast expanse of the tranquil sea.
The Church of Beatitudes: Biblical Context
The Church of Beatitudes signifies a pivotal moment in Christian history. Tradition points to this peaceful hill as the location where Jesus Christ delivered his famed Sermon on the Mount, recorded in the Gospel of Matthew.
These verses depict Jesus teaching a crowd of followers on a mountainside. His sermon covers a range of moral and ethical issues, but it begins with the “Beatitudes” – a set of eight blessings that outline a moral code for personal conduct and a blueprint for a life centered around love, peace, and righteousness.
“And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:
- Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
- Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.
- Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.
- Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for 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 sons of God.
- Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
The Architectural Brilliance of Antonio Barluzzi
The Church of Beatitudes owes its unique design to the visionary Italian architect, Antonio Barluzzi. Barluzzi designed the Church of the Beatitudes in the late 1930s. The church was completed in 1938. He modelled the church as an octagonal edifice, constructed primarily from local basalt stone and white stone, mirroring the eight Beatitudes preached by Jesus Christ in his Sermon on the Mount.
The Church of Beatitudes is situated on a sizeable rectangular base, fully encircled by a portico that provides views towards the Sea of Galilee and the locations associated with the life and ministry of Jesus. Each side of the portico features nine arches, excluding the northern side which hosts the entrance edifice to the church. The portion of the portico enveloping this entrance comprises seven arches, the central one being both taller and wider than its counterparts, acting as a pathway to the entrance. These figures – 7, 8, and 9 – carry numerological significance: 7 symbolizes the structure of existence, 8 denotes the miraculous, and 9 signifies completeness.
The central dome, forms a focal point that invites the gaze upwards. It’s a stark contrast to the darker basalt stone, creating a visual interplay between the elements.
This creates an impressive yet humble structure.
The churches interior is delicate and simple. Each wall features a Latin inscription of one Beatitude, reminding visitors of the profound teachings of Christ. The inner dome is adorned with representations of the four evangelists, their symbols etched intricately in the gold and blue mosaic. The internal surface of the dome, adorned with a radiant golden mosaic, is illuminated by a further eight windows situated at its base.
The church’s eight windows, crafted from vibrantly colored stained glass, each bear one of the eight “Blessed” verses in Latin. Encircling the altar on the church floor is a meticulously designed mosaic. Imbued within the mosaic pavement are symbols embodying the cardinal virtues of Justice, Prudence, Fortitude, and Temperance, along with the theological virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity. Small windows allow the visitors to stay connected to the surrounding gardens.
Planted in the church’s surrounding gardens are local flowers and olive trees. The gardens offers tranquil spots for reflection and prayer. With a stunning panorama of the Sea of Galilee as a backdrop, the Church of the Beatitudes stands as an architectural testament to Barluzzi’s commitment to creating structures that blend seamlessly with their biblical and natural surroundings.
Archeological findings at the Church of Beatitudes
There were no archeological findings on the current church grounds, but in the vicinity of the present-day church, remnants of a 4th-century Byzantine church that was probably in use up the 7th century were found.
Sources and Additional Reading
The Church of the Beatitudes – Israel by Locals
BibleWalks – Church of Beatitudes
Church of the Beatitudes – Wikipedia
Nearby Sites
- Church of the Multiplication, Tabgha: The Church of the Multiplication is traditionally believed to be the site where Jesus performed the miracle of feeding the 5,000 with five loaves and two fishes.
- Capernaum: Often referred to as “Jesus’ Own City,” Capernaum hosts impressive archaeological sites, including a well-preserved synagogue and the House of Saint Peter.
- Korazim (Corazim): Once a prosperous town, Korazim is now an archaeological site that offers a glimpse into the past. It is one of the “cursed” cities. The ruins, including an ancient synagogue.
- Magdala: Magdala is the home of Mary Magdalene. Excavations in Magdala have revealed a well-preserved first-century synagogue and a complete city infrastructure.
- ‘Jesus Boat‘ in Genosar: Discovered in the Sea of Galilee, the boat dates back to the 1st century AD, coinciding with the time when Jesus might have traversed these waters.
- Domus Galilaeae: A Christian site beckons seekers of spiritual enlightenment to its tranquil retreat.
