Christians travel to the Holy Land visit St. Peter's Church in Old Jaffa

St. Peter's Church: A Beacon of Christian Faith in Jaffa

St. Peter's Church has long served as a spiritual lighthouse for pilgrims arriving by sea to the Holy Land. Positioned prominently in Jaffa, it continues to hold deep meaning for Christians traveling to the Holy Land today. This sacred site honors St. Peter, one of Jesus’ closest disciples. It was Peter to whom Jesus said, “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18), affirming Peter’s foundational role in the Christian church.

Biblical Miracles in Jaffa

St. Peter's Church is operated by the Franciscan Roman Catholic Order and marks the location of pivotal moments in Christian scripture. According to Acts 9:36–43, Peter traveled to Joppa (modern-day Jaffa) and performed the miracle of raising Tabitha (also known as Dorcas) from the dead. During his stay, he resided at the home of Simon the Tanner.

While staying there, Peter received a divine vision that would forever change the early Church. As recounted in Acts 10:9–16, Peter saw a great sheet descending from heaven, filled with all kinds of animals, and was told, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean." This vision opened the way for the gospel to be preached to the Gentiles, making Jaffa a symbolic birthplace of Christian universality.

History and Architecture of the Church

Built originally in 1654 during the Ottoman era atop medieval fortress ruins, St. Peter's Church has undergone destruction and reconstruction over the centuries. The current structure, completed between 1888 and 1894, and renovated again in 1903, is the largest and most prominent church in Old Jaffa. Its striking brick façade and towering bell tower make it a visible landmark for miles.

Step inside, and you’ll be transported to a European cathedral setting, with vaulted ceilings, stained-glass windows, and elegant marble interiors. Four key murals at the front of the church highlight moments from Peter’s life: the Miraculous Catch of Fish (Luke 5:1–11), the Giving of the Keys (Matthew 16:19), the Transfiguration of Christ (Matthew 17:1–9), and the Washing of the Feet at the Last Supper (John 13:1–17).

Alongside these images are stained-glass portrayals of Tabitha, Saint Francis of Assisi, and the Immaculate Conception. Many windows also depict Spanish saints, reflecting Spain's sponsorship of the church’s reconstruction.

Visit St. Peter's Church on Your Christian Holy Land Tour

Today, St. Peter's Church remains an active place of worship and an essential stop on any Christian Holy Land tour of Israel. Located at the entrance of Old Jaffa square, it is open daily for visitors and pilgrims. Mass is celebrated in English, Spanish, Polish, and Hebrew—welcoming believers from around the world to reflect, pray, and walk in the footsteps of the apostles.