Chorazin (or Korazin) did not get rave reviews in Jesus’ day. The only scriptures mentioning the northern Israel city were Jesus’ condemnation of it in Matthew and Luke along with Bethsaida, which he compared to the pagan cities of Tyre and Sidon.

korazim

“Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.”
Matthew 11:21-22

Situated 900 feet above the Sea of Galilee, Chorazin was a Jewish town in the Galilee, near Capernaum. Today, the site holds an ancient synagogue from the third, fourth or fifth century, still mostly intact.

History of Korazim in the Holy Land

Korazin, two and a half miles north of Capernaum, was one of the three key cities in which Jesus ministered including Capernaum, Chorazin and Bethsaida. A Jewish city, it is also mentioned in the Talmud. The city was one of numerous towns that thrived in the Galilee after the destruction of the Second Temple. The city was destroyed, probably by an earthquake, in the fourth century AD and rebuilt in the fifth century.

Highlights of Korazim in the Holy Land

Korazin National Park is home to a well-preserved synagogue made of local black basalt stone. The synagogue measures 50 by 70 feet and is replete with Jewish symbols, Aramaic and Hebrew inscriptions, floral decorations, human and animal figures and a Medusa, indicating assimilation in the with pagan practices of the time.

The synagogue was believed to be in the center of town with three main entrances facing south toward Jerusalem. The town of Korazin was probably first inhabited in the first or second century. Archaeologists are not certain when the synagogue was built, but believe it was destroyed in the latter part of the fourth century and were rebuilt in the fifth century.

The park spans 25 acres and in addition to the synagogue features a ritual bath (mikveh), residential dwellings and an olive press.

Travelujah Tips

Korazin National Park is located on Route 90 between Korazin and Almagor junction. Park entry fees: adult 14 shekels, child 6 shekel. Hours: October through March, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; April through September, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact: 06.693.4982