Bet Gabriel

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Opened in 1993, this lakeside cultural centre – one of Israel’s most beautiful buildings – is known for its art exhibitions, first-run cinema (two screens, with two more set to open in 2019), pop and classical concerts, bagel cafe (closed Friday evening and Saturday) and inspiring sea views. In November 1994 it served as the venue for a ceremony reconfirming the peace treaty between Israel and Jordan. Situated at the southern tip of the Sea of Galilee, 300m east of Tzemah Junction.

King Hussein’s red-and-white keffiyeh (chequered scarf worn by Arabs) and a sword given to Shimon Peres by Yasser Arafat can be seen in the Peace Room (call ahead to arrange a free tour). Mirrors ensure that everyone, no matter where around the six-sided, eight-seat table they sit, can see the Sea of Galilee.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

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  • Ruins of amphitheater in the ancient Roman city. Bet She'an National Park, Israel 165513272 semicircular, stone, ruins, theater, travel, row, past, archeology, destroyed, engineering, column, layers, culture, middle, history, east, old, roman, open, level, israel, building, technology, circular, spectators, bet, area, time, place, architecture, city, arena, seating, tribune, tourism, art, antique, amphitheater, mediterranean, ancient, scene, style, sliced, structure, exterior, pavement, performance, national park, beit, shean

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Nearby attractions

1. Yardenit Baptismal Site

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2. Kinneret Cemetery

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Shaded and serene, this luxuriantly leafy lakeside cemetery, established in 1911, is the final resting place of socialist Zionist pioneers such as Berl…

3. Tomb of Rabbi Meir Ba’al HaNess

4.83 MILES

A complex of religious buildings has grown around the reputed burial place of Rabbi Meir Ba'al HaNess, a 2nd-century sage often cited in the Mishnah (ba…

4. Hamat Tveriya National Park

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Back in Roman times, the fame of Tiberias’ hot springs was such that in 110 CE the Emperor Trajan struck a coin dedicated to them – it depicted Hygeia …

5. Roman Mausoleums

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The decumanus maximus continues west of the main site for 1km or so, leading to some ruins of limited interest, including baths, mausoleums and gates…

6. Decumanus Maximus

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Still paved to this day, the main road through the site once linked Gadara with other nearby ancient cities such as Abila and Pella. In its heyday, the…

7. Nymphaeum

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This public water fountain, once a two-storey complex with a large covered cistern, has niches for statues of the water goddesses.

8. Lookout Point

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This viewpoint offers tremendous vistas over Israel and the Palestinian Territories across the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights.

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