A highlight for Christian visitors in Tiberias stands on Mount Berenice, south of the town center. A large church was built here in the sixth century which, until its excavation some years ago, was believed to be remains of a palace belonging to Berenice, wife of Agrippa II (Acts 25:13). 

The spectacular view from here, taking in the area of Jesus’ Galilee ministry and the beautiful lake, certainly played a part in selecting this site for worship in ancient times. Under the altar, a stone block was found weighing almost half a ton. Though it has a hole in the center, making it look like an anchor of the time, it is 10 times heavier than the average ancient anchor. Therefore, it probably had spiritual significance to Christians of the day, based on the verse in Hebrews “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure” (Heb. 6:19).