Tomb of Rabbi Akiva


Rabbi Akiva, a leading Mishnaic sage (and teacher of Rabbi Meir Ba'al HaNess), played a major role in establishing rabbinic (ie post–Second Temple) Judaism. He was tortured to death by the Romans because of his support for the Bar Kochba Revolt – indeed, his enthusiasm for resistance to the Romans was such that he declared Bar Kochba to be the Messiah. What is believed to be his dome-topped tomb, offering breathtaking views, is on the hillside about 3km (by road) west of the town centre.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Tomb of Rabbi Yohanan ben Zakkai

0.53 MILES

Rabbi Yohanan ben Zakkai, Judaism's most eminent 1st-century sage, played a central role in replacing animal sacrifices – the raison d'être of the Temple…

2. Tomb of the Rambam

0.53 MILES

Rabbi Moshe Ben Maimon (1135–1204) – better known by his acronym, the Rambam – was a Cordova-born polymath famous for his rationalist approach to religion…

3. Al Amari Mosque

0.73 MILES

With its black basalt walls, white dome and striped minaret, this mosque looks a bit lost in the courtyard of a modern commercial centre. Built by Daher…

4. Tiberias Open Air Museum

0.8 MILES

A sloping pedestrian park featuring sculptures by contemporary Israeli artists; most are made of mosaic tiles or carved from stone. Situated along a…

5. Music Beach

0.83 MILES

This tiny strip of sand and sea, just north of the Yigal Allon Promenade, is the only place in the town centre where you can swim.

6. St Peter’s Church

0.83 MILES

This rare Crusader church – administered by Koinonia Giovanni Battista, a Catholic community based in Italy – has a peaceful, grapevine-shaded courtyard…

7. Al Bahr Mosque

0.88 MILES

Built of basalt in the 18th century, the Sea Mosque once had a special entrance for the faithful who arrived by boat.

8. Galilee Experience

0.9 MILES

On the upper floor of a 1970s eyesore, the Galilee Experience screens a Christian-oriented film (21 minutes in English and Chinese, 36 minutes in 10 other…