Domus Galilaeae The garden
This magnificent building of Domus Galilaeae is in the lower galilee dominating the Sea of Galilee and the Mont of Beatitudes.
Domus Galilaeae first stone was laid in January 1999, the building was built in a short period of time with traditional Tuscan stone.
The opening of the site was held in 2000.
Managed by the Catholic organization Neocatechumenal Way, Domus Galilaeae employs about 150 full-time people, including workers, technicians and volunteers. There are 37 Christian Arab workers, 32 Arab Muslims, 21 technicians, 20 Jews, Druze and 10 Maronites.
It was inaugurated by Pope John Paul II during his visit for the Holy Land Millennium .
In the center of the library is an ancient Torah.
Francisco José Argüello Gómez y Wirtz more fluently called Kiko Arguello Wirtz was born in Spain January 9, 1939. A Spanish artist who studied fine art at the Royal Academy of San Fernando in Madrid and received in 1959 the Special National Award for painting.
He is not only the architect but also the innovator of what became in 1964 the Neocatechumenal Way in the slums of Palomeras Altas in Madrid.
On May 13, 2009, he received an honorary doctorate by the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family.
The center is designed as a place where Christians would learn about the living tradition of Israel following the footsteps of early Christian saints “who have returned to their Hebrew roots by studying the meaning of prayer, celebrations and Hebrew liturgies” .
John Paul II, who illustrated a new era affinity between Catholics and Jews, stressed the need to appreciate the Jewish roots in order to live an authentic Christianity.
Domus Galilaeae entrance hall
Domus Galilaeae roof and terrasse overlooking the Sea of Galilee
Domus Galilaeae magnificent library
Domus Galilaeae – the chapel
Nicole Samuel 