Stand in the very places where Jesus lived and preached was beyond amazing.
About the Mount Tabor:
One of the most significant places in the Holy Land, Mount Tabor has a history of importance long before Christianity. Due to its position along major trade routes, it was fought over by various civilizations.
It is an important site for Jews (fight of prophetess Deborah and general Barak against Sisera) as well as Christians who recognize this as the place that Christ was transfigured in the presence of Peter, John and James (Luke 9:28-36).
By the 6th Century several Christian churches occupied this spot, later to be destroyed by the Persians, then rebuilt in the 11th Century by the Crusaders, then destroyed afain during the Muslim conquest of 1187.
The Church you see today, the Church of the Transfiguration, is fairly recent and was built by the Franciscans in 1924. In size it is one of the largest in the Holy Land.
Getting there:
It is possible to hike up to the top if you are in good physical shape; however, most people prefer to take a taxi. Tour buses cannot go all the way to the top and neither can private cars, so taxis are the way to go.
In addition to the Church itself, the view from the top overlooking the valley is magnificent. There is also an Orthodox church at the top as well but not usually open to the public.
The Franciscan Church of the Transfiguration usually closes between noon and 2:00 p.m. so plan your visit accordingly.
