Family Life

04.18.11 | Sarah Harnisch

   Israel has unveiled a new hiking trail for Christians. The Holyland, hoping to attract Christian tourists with a new 40-mile route unveiled last week in Galilee; a network of footpaths, roads, and bicycle paths that link several sites central to the life of Jesus and his disciples. It's called "The Gospel Trail," and it was inaugurated last Thursday by Israeli tourism officilals. It's a nod to the growing number of Christians traveling to the country in recent years. The trail features new Testament quotes carved into stones along a path, shaded rest areas, picnic sites, signs, and printed maps. It passes through Tabgha, the traditional site of Jesus's miracle of the loaves and fishes, and the Mount of Beatitudes-- where the Sermon on the Mount was given. It ends at Capernaum on the Sea of Galilee. More then 2-thirds of all tourists in Israel last year were Christian. If you want to read more, go here.