In the local language this is called Bannias, a corruption of Pannias. The reason for this naming becomes clear at the site, as we find the site of a pagan temple and shrines once dedicated to the god Pan.
This is an important site in the Christian faith, as Jesus chooses to take His disciples to Caesarea Philippi and it is here - surrounded by statues of idols (which would have been in each niche) - that he asks Peter “who do people say that I am?” And Peter replies “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God”.
An amazing proclamation of faith, resulting in Peter’s first commission - “you are the rock on which I will build my church.”
Enroute back to the hotel we then visited Dan - the capital of the northern Kingdom of Israel after the dividing of the Kingdom post-Solomon. Here are the ruins of the city, and various ‘cultic sites’ which the northern kingdom established to imitate temple worship. Here also is where Jereboam installed one of the Golden Calves.
And a good opportunity to cool our feet!
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