Saint Peter Church, Capernaum Religious Site

Address: Capernaum, Northern District, Israel

Hours: Typically open during daylight hours; archaeological site hours may vary seasonally

Saint Peter Church in Capernaum stands at the archaeological site on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee associated with the ancient village of Capernaum. The site includes excavated domestic remains that have been identified in tradition as the house of the apostle Peter and were enclosed by early church constructions.

A modern pilgrimage church and shelter have been built above the excavations; visitors can view the underlying archaeological layers and focal remains through protected viewing areas. The location has been a place of Christian pilgrimage since at least the Byzantine period.

The church and archaeological site lie within the Capernaum area on the Sea of Galilee’s northwestern shore and are part of a managed heritage and pilgrimage complex.

• First-century remains: The site preserves first-century domestic remains that have been venerated as Peter’s house and later enclosed by early Christian church structures.

What to See#

• Archaeological remains: An archaeological area containing the remains of a domestic building identified by scholars and tradition as the house associated with the apostle Peter, later covered by early church construction.
• Modern church and shrine: A modern pilgrimage church built above the excavated remains that allows visitors to view the underlying ancient structures through protected viewing points.

Capernaum is on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee. From Tiberias it is a short drive (about 20-30 minutes) or reachable by regional bus services; many pilgrims visit as part of organized day trips from Jerusalem or Nazareth.

• Visit early to avoid midday crowds and to see the ruins in calmer light.
• Follow signage for the archaeological park and the reconstructed church area.
• Bring binoculars-the lakeshore and nearby hills offer good birdwatching.