Bethsaida, the hometown of the apostles Peter, Andrew, and Philip, was one of the most important towns on the Sea of Galilee during Jesus’ ministry. Jesus cursed the city for its lack of faith (Matthew 11:21), and it eventually disappeared, its exact location debated by scholars for centuries. Recent excavations at el-Araj, on the northern shore of the lake, have produced strong evidence that this is the lost Bethsaida.
The Discovery
The el-Araj site, excavated since 2017, has uncovered a Roman-era bathhouse, a Byzantine church, and artifacts dating to the first century CE. The church may be the one described by the 8th-century bishop Willibald, who reported visiting a church in Bethsaida built over the house of Peter and Andrew. If the identification holds, Bethsaida joins Capernaum and Magdala as one of the key Gospel sites on the lake.
Visit with Hoshen Tours
Bethsaida is an exciting addition to Sea of Galilee itineraries, especially as excavations continue to reveal new findings. Hoshen Tours monitors the progress and includes it when access allows.