Overview
General Information
Europa Hotel in Tiberias Is a pampering family-run boutique hotel. Residing in a restorated historic building, it is a unique building boasting a lot of character .
Built in 1917, it was used as a luxury hotel and was one of the first buildings that were built outside the walls of the old city.
In 1930, the Hotel was purchased by the Oved family, a 3rd generation in Tiberias. It continued to operate until 1939. Over the years the, the building changed its purpose and appearance, and served as offices of the British regiment. During the Independence War, battle and shooting positions were set up on its premises for the use of the Haganah defense forces. In seeing the building’s neglect and abandonment, in ______ Zohar Oved, scion of the Oved family, decided to purchase it, renovate it and renew its operation.
The hotel underwent an extensive renovation targeted to restore the architectural style of the Ottoman period and preserve the historical spirit of the place and its original name – “Europa Hotel”.
A stroll around the renovated hotel, in its corridors and rooms reveals a rich past. Next to an elevator designed in the spirit of the Ottoman and the Mandate periods are the walls of the lobby and the wings of the hotel decorated with original oil paintings of the landscapes of the Sea of Galilee, the Valley and the Galilee – the works of the father of the family, Zohar Oved. The paintings are paired with pictures and photos of the hotel in earlier years, and the luxurious reception lounge housing antique furniture, a painted floor and many nostalgic objects.
The hotel has a magical and special atmosphere, evident from the first step inside. Through the gates there are welcoming lounge areas under fruit trees, accompanied by a restorated wishing well.
Legend tells of a 500-year-old mysterious wishing well, known then only to the courtiers of the Ottoman sultan – Suleiman the First, and of those who were swiftly granted with their wishs after throwing a gold coin with the Sultan’s seal into it. To this day you can see hotels guests trying their luck, throwing a coin and whispering their wishes. Who knows? Maybe their wish came true…
The renovated Europa Hotel has 31 rooms, each is unique and special.
Infinity Pool, a signature space. Across from a stunning view of the Kinneret, the hotel has a spacious outdoor sun terrace with a new infinity pool, lounge areas, sunbeds and fruit trees.
Masso Restaurant, a culinary experience. Down the stairs is the MASSO restaurant, welcoming our guests from breakfast to dinner, offering a rich Galilean menu with a local Tiberian touch.
Europa Spa, a stand-out wellness complex. Entrust yourself in the expert hands of our therapist, enjoy a selection of treatments, a dry sauna, Jets-tub and lounge areas.
Conferense Hall, an intimate event space to hold conferenses, seminars and small events of up to 80 guests, paired with our conference room suitable to accommodate up to 20 guests, both is fully equiped to meet all your presentation needs.
History
Tiberias, old versus new
Tiberias lies on the western shore of the Kinneret, and nowadays it is a Jewish city with close to 45,000 residents. As one of the holy cities, Tiberias holds a central role in the history of the people of Israel, serving for centuries as a religious and cultural Jewish center. Tombs of sages are historic.
Some of the historic sites of the city include the tombs of sages – prominent rabbis, spiritaul and religious leaders who were burried in in it. Evidence of Tiberias’ past and important religious status. Among them is the famous Tomb of Mimonides, which is nowadays of the most important and popular jewish pilgrimage sites.
In the south of the city are the hot springs of the ancient city of Hamat Tiberias, these thermal baths were known for their healing powers attracting, to date, visitors from all over the world.
Tiberias holds great importance to christianity as well, thanks to Jesus’s work and presence in the area. Many churches and monasteries were built in Tiberias and its surroundings, and no christian pilgrimage is considered complete without visiting them.
A visit to this facinating city is a journey in history to modern times, a combination of old and new. A memorable experience spiced with amazing landscapes and holy landmarks.
