Kursi Monastery and National Park
Kursi, a Christian monastery from the Byzantine era, is located at the southern edge of the Golan Heights near the Sea of Galilee (Kinnereth). Due to its location, Kursi is traditionally identified as the site at which Jesus exorcised the demons of two possessed men and transferred the evil to a nearby herd of pigs (often referred to as the Miracle of the Swine). The monastery complex was constructed to celebrate this miracle.
The Kursi Monastery is the largest in all of Israel. It was uncovered in in the early 1970s as a new road was being built into the Golan Heights. The site was excavated by the Israel Antiquities Authority, later becoming the Kursi National Park.
The modern day site features remnants of a fifth century church damaged and later restored until an earthquake in the eighth century. Inside the church building are elaborate mosaic floors with animal and fruit motifs, along with Greek etchings. Corinthian marble columns also line the prayer chapel. Outside, two lateral wings once provided space for an oil press and crypt. On the monastery grounds, archaeologists also found residential buildings and a pilgrim’s hostel. A small chapel is located a few meters away from the main church and is traditionally considered the spot where Jesus performed his miracle.
The Kursi National Park is open year round. Visiting hours are 8am until 4pm from October through March; the site remains open until 5pm during the summer months. The park can be reached via Road 92 just north of Ein Gev.