Religious Significance
The Mount of Beatitudes is a religiously significant place because of the historic Sermon delivered by Jesus on the Mount. While there is no concrete evidence that the Sermon of the Mount was delivered on the Mount of Beatitudes, many different factors point toward the fact that this Mount is indeed the place where the Sermon on the Mount was delivered.
The Sermon delivered at the Mount is a historic one, with each line beginning from “blessed the” which translates in Latin to “Beati.” Therefore, this is how the name of this historic mount was derived.
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.
Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
- Matthew 5:3-12
One of the major factors confirming this theory is that Capernaum, the town where Jesus lived a major part of his life, is nearby. Jesus was also involved in a few healing incidents at this religiously significant town.
The Church of Beatitudes was also constructed here at the beginning to mid of the 20th century in order to provide a site where the pilgrims could easily say their prayers when they visited this Holy Mount.
To actually stand and look around at the place where Jesus himself addressed a huge crowd and delivered one of the most famous sermons of all time is a mesmerizing feeling itself. The peace felt at that place is unparalleled by any. The Mount is relatively isolated, therefore, the inner sense of peace that you get by visiting is greater than that you can get at any other place.
After praying at the Church of Beatitudes, you can wander around in the adjacent gardens surrounding the church and the Mount. The scenic beauty of that place is absolutely stunning in itself, so even if you’re not entirely religious, you should still go there and see how calm you feel after strolling in the stunning gardens.
There is no admission fee to enter the Mount of Beatitudes. However, if you park your own car there, you will have to pay a parking fee.