Tiberias, Israel

Tiberias, also known as Ṭabariyyā in Arabic and טְבֶרְיָה, Ṭəḇeryā in Hebrew, is a picturesque city situated on the western shores of the Sea of Galilee in Israel. With a population of approximately 46,698 and a rich history dating back to the Roman Empire, the city has long been considered one of the four holy cities of Judaism, along with Jerusalem, Hebron, and Safed. Founded by Herod Antipas in 20 CE and named after the Roman emperor Tiberius, Tiberias quickly became a hub of Jewish political and religious activity after the destruction of Jerusalem and the desolation of Judea during the Jewish-Roman wars. Today, Tiberias is a popular tourist destination due to its proximity to the Sea of Galilee, its historical and religious significance, and its regional industrial and commercial center. In this travel guide, we’ll explore the rich history, cultural landmarks, and natural beauty of Tiberias, and why it should be at the top of your travel bucket list.