Kursi (Gerassa) National Park

Kursi (Gerassa) National Park: The Sacred Grounds of Ancient Miracles

Kursi (Gerassa) National Park is widely recognized as one of the most important and evocative archaeological landmarks on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee. This extraordinary site preserves the remains of a magnificent Byzantine monastery and church: traditionally identified by many scholars and pilgrims as the location of the Miracle of the Swine mentioned in the New Testament. Perched between the steep mountains of the Golan and the blue waters of the Kinneret: Kursi (Gerassa) National Park offers visitors a rare blend of ancient history: deep religious significance: and serene natural beauty. The Nativa travel portal provides comprehensive information to plan your journey through this biodiversity hotspot and historic monument within the magnificent Kursi (Gerassa) National Park. Known also in historical contexts as Gerassa of the Gerasenes: this location remains a focal point for worldwide Christian pilgrimage.

Key Attractions and Archaeological Highlights:

• The Grand Byzantine Monastery and Basilica: The primary feature of Kursi (Gerassa) National Park. Surrounded by a massive stone wall measuring one hundred twenty three by one hundred forty five meters: it is one of the largest monasteries ever discovered in Israel. The complex included residential quarters for monks: workshops: and guest houses for pilgrims who traveled from afar to Kursi (Gerassa) National Park. The central church is a grand basilica with columns topped by Corinthian capitals featuring carved crosses. During your visit to Kursi (Gerassa) National Park: you can see the stone reliquary box found beneath the ancient altar: which once held sacred relics.
• Splendid Mosaic Floors: Kursi (Gerassa) National Park is famous for its intricate mosaic floors found in the side aisles of the basilica. These mosaics depict a rich variety of animals including roosters: geese: and cormorants: as well as detailed plants like citrons: pomegranates: and clusters of grapes. A Greek inscription found on the floor dates the completion to the year five hundred eighty five AD: during the reign of Emperor Maurice: marking Kursi (Gerassa) National Park as a center of late Byzantine artistic achievement. While many animal figures were defaced in later periods: the plant decorations remain vivid and beautiful for all visitors at Kursi (Gerassa) National Park.
• The Holy Rock and Cave Chapel: Located on the hillside east of the main church: Kursi (Gerassa) National Park features a small chapel integrated into a natural cave next to a prominent rock. Christian tradition links this specific spot to the encounter between Jesus and the man possessed by demons: making it a spiritual heart for those visiting Kursi (Gerassa) National Park. The panoramic views from this vantage point provide a spectacular look at the ruins and the sea below.
• Byzantine Bathhouse: Recent excavations between two thousand eleven and two thousand thirteen revealed the ruins of a complex bathhouse to the north of the church. This find adds a new dimension to Kursi (Gerassa) National Park: illustrating the high standard of living and the sophisticated facilities available to the monastic community and visiting travelers in the ancient Galilee.
• The Enchanted Bench: A simple wooden bench that has gained a modern reputation for its uniquely calming and energetic atmosphere. Kursi (Gerassa) National Park encourages visitors to take a moment of silence here: soaking in the peaceful aura of the Galilee landscapes while resting under the shade of ancient trees.
• Sand Verses Activity: An interactive experience within Kursi (Gerassa) National Park featuring a large spinning wheel in a sandbox. Visitors can use it to imprint the story of the miracle into the sand in multiple languages: providing a fun and educational activity for families exploring the grounds of Kursi (Gerassa) National Park.

History Cultural Heritage and Pilgrimage:

The area occupied by Kursi (Gerassa) National Park was a thriving center of pilgrimage until the eighth century when it was destroyed by a massive earthquake. The site remained hidden for centuries under layers of earth until it was accidentally rediscovered during road construction in the early nineteen seventies. Today: managed by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority: Kursi (Gerassa) National Park stands as a world class tourist destination: preserving the archaeological layers of a lost civilization and the spiritual legacy of the Galilee region as featured on the Nativa portal. The connection to the Gerasenes tradition makes Kursi (Gerassa) National Park a unique monument of both history and faith.

Opening Hours and Essential Visitor Information:

Please note that entry to Kursi (Gerassa) National Park closes strictly one hour before the official closing times listed on the Nativa portal.

• Summer Season: Sunday to Thursday and Saturday from 08:00 until 17:00. Friday and holiday eves until 16:00.
• Winter Season: Sunday to Thursday and Saturday from 08:00 until 16:00. Friday until 15:00.
• Special Holidays: On Rosh Hashanah and Passover eves: the site closes early at 13:00. On the eve of Yom Kippur: Kursi (Gerassa) National Park also closes at 13:00.
• Important Notice: Operating hours are subject to change due to weather conditions or special restoration work. We highly recommend checking the official website of the Israel Nature and Parks Authority for the most up to date information before visiting Kursi (Gerassa) National Park.
• Pre registration: Booking in advance through the Nativa visit coordination system is recommended to ensure your entry during peak holiday periods and weekends.

How to Get There?

• By Car: Kursi (Gerassa) National Park is located at the Kursi Junction on Road 92 (the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee). It is approximately five kilometers north of Kibbutz Ein Gev. Follow the clear signs turning east from the main road.
• Accessibility: The park provides accessible paths to the main church: the information center: and the restroom facilities: making the beauty of Kursi (Gerassa) National Park available to all guests regardless of mobility.

Nativa Recommendation: We suggest planning your visit for the late afternoon to catch the soft light on the ancient mosaics and the golden glow of the Golan cliffs reflecting in the Sea of Galilee. The Nativa portal invites you to experience the miracles and the breathtaking ancient art of the magnificent Kursi (Gerassa) National Park.