Amazing observation point on Tiberias:
An incredible observation point overlooking the Sea of the Galilee, a ruined byzantine church and incredible blooms of buttercups in a family oriented route on Berniki Hill
Our route begins at the end of the paved road leading to the JNF “Switzerland Forest” and follows a long, winding dirt road.
Glimpses through the pine trees will tantalize you with vistas of steep slopes descending to the Sea of the Galilee, the southern edge of the Golan Heights starkly rising up at the other end of the lake. Once ascend out of the forest, and begin treading through meadows adorned with blooming buttercups the vista will open up. Below you are the Tiberias hot baths, the tomb of Rabbi Meir “Baal Ha-Nes” (The miracle worker) and parts of Ancient Tiberias. Once you reach the top of a particularly steep rise, you will find yourselves at the edge of a sharp escarpment over the lake, adorned with the remnants of an ancient Byzantine Church.
WATCH THIS MOVIE:
The Eastern Heirs of the Roman Empire were not the first to leave their mark here. Herod Antipas, who imherited the lands of the reviled Herod the Great in the Gilad and the Galilee chose to erect his stronghold, which he named after his wife- Berniki, in this spot. This stronghold dominated his capital Tiberias, which he founded and named after his Imperial Patron- Tiberius. If you have the time, wait for the sun to set and cast purple shadows on the Golan Heights opposite you as the lights of Tiberias below appear to ward off the coming darkness- just make sure you have a flashlight to find your way back to your car once you manage to tear yourself away!