Tabgha - Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves

The new Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves in Tabgha was designed by the Cologne architects Anton Goergen and Fritz Baumann.

The mosaics in the nave and north aisle are in simple geometric designs, while those in the five spaces between the columns depict a variety of birds (geese, herons, etc.). The most interesting mosaics, however, are in the transepts, those in the north transept being almost completely preserved. The artist was evidently familiar with the Nile delta, and may even have come from there, for he depicts the flora and fauna of that region - flamingoes, snakes, herons and ducks, in a setting of lotus flowers, reeds, etc. The mosaics in the south transept, which are only partly preserved, are on similar themes, and also show a Nilometer, a device for measuring the level of the river.

The altar in the sanctuary is built over the stone on which tradition has it that Christ stood during the multiplication of the loaves. In front of it is a mosaic depicting a basket containing loaves flanked by two fishes.