From Acre, Christians - or anyone interested in the history of the period - can set out in the footsteps of the Crusaders, to visit their fortresses in places such as Montfort, Belvoir, Yechiam and Sepphoris. It was at the latter - site of some of Israel’s most remarkable mosaic finds - that the Crusaders gathered before setting out one hot July day in the year 1187, to liberate Tiberias from the siege imposed by the Muslim commander Saladin. Reaching the valley at the foot of the Horns of Hittim, they were shot at by what appeared to be a small Muslim force armed only with lances and bows. The Crusaders attacked and chased after these soldiers until they reached Nebi Shueb, where they were ambushed by the main force of the enemy led by its commander Saladin. Because of their heavy armor they couldn’t redeploy and were destroyed and their defeat marked the end of the Crusader military presence and its kingdom in the Holy Land, which very soon afterwards fell entirely to Saladin. This significant historical tale can serve as the backdrop for a delightful walking tour. Begin at Sepphoris, at the citadel built originally by the Crusaders on Byzantine foundations. (Taking time to admire Sepphoris’ amazing mosaics is well advised). Then take the short ride to the Horns of Hittin, close to a hill that is actually a dormant volcano. Disembark at this point and begin to walk. Climb to the top of the volcano for one of the most stunning vistas in the lower East Galilee. Continue walking by descending to the grave of Jethro - the father-in-law of Moses and a major prophet for the Druze nation. (This site - Nebi Shueb - is the holiest Druze site in Israel). The path then leads to the archeological ruins of the Jewish synagogue Kfar Hittin. Descend along a steep cliff and pass through the mammoth caves in which rebels against King Herod dwelled. Herod, who was half-Jewish, died in the year 40 BC; nevertheless, his influence colored the society in which Jesus lived and taught. Look down for amazing views of the Sea of Galilee and of Migdal, where Mary
Magdalene was born. Descend via the path cutting down the cliff, to the Valley of Ginosar and the Sea of Galilee, to Kibbutz Ginosar, home of the boat from the time of Jesus. This one-day walking tour creates an active encounter with the topography and the land, and at the same time, takes pilgrims from the Crusader period, back in history to the era just prior to Jesus. Another example of a route that traverses time, religion and topography, is a walk from the Mount of the Beatitudes, through the ruins of an ancient Jewish synagogue dating 400-500 years after the life of Jesus, and then back again to Capernaum, a site replete with actual and symbolic meaning in Christian teaching. A third, is the Jesus Trail, a 65-kilometer trail route complete with maps and coordinates that can be accessed online. It begins in Nazareth and passes through sites such as Sepphoris, Cana, the Horns of Hittim, the Arbel Cliffs, Tabgha, and Capernaum, culminating at the Mount of the Beatitudes. An optional return trail of equal distance is also a part of the Jesus Trail project - a route that passes by Tiberias, the Jordan River, Mount Tabor, Mount Precipice and returns to Nazareth. The trail offers an accessible way for pilgrims to navigate an ancient route in a modern location and offers the experience of walking in the steps of Jesus in a way that is authentic, adventurous and educational. Recently, the developers of the Jesus Trail launched self-guided tour packages, based on orientation, luggage transport from one day to the next and accommodations along the way. Yet another trail connecting Nazareth with the Sea of Galilee is the Israel Ministry of Tourism’s Gospel Trail, which dovetails about 90 percent with the Jesus Trail but was designed to make the terrain accessible for ordinary visitors, not just backpackers and trekkers, according to the Ministry. The trails have also started to serve as centers around which tourism businesses are being developed. One modern pilgrimage site deserving of mention, which adds greatly to the pilgrimage experience in the
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