Every city mentioned in the Bible, you will probably find a church that runs pilgrimage house in the Holy land. Casa Nova Tiberias is one of those places that has history before the establishment of Israel. And the location is paramount! You can see sunrise from the Sea of Galilee on the balcony! The dorm bed is $25 per night, breakfast included.
It’s funny how I was hesitant about staying here. Even though I grew up in a church, I don’t see myself as a pilgrim in Israel. So I worried about feeling uncomfortable there…. Well, it turns out I worried too much! Everyone is welcomed here.
Location of Casa Nova Tiberias
The location is literally next to the sea of Galilee. It’s like 2 minutes walk! There are many restaurants nearby. Although… Tiberias is not a big city anyway, everything is relatively close.
The walk from Tiberias Central Station to Casa Nova Tiberias is mostly flat. It’s a 10 minutes walk.
The building of Casa Nova Tiberias is made by basalt stone, typical in Galilee. Parking is at entrance. Ring the bell (though it is scarily loud!)
Check In
The reception… I was shocked. It was so clean! Incredibly clean! How did I book my accommodation? I simply wrote to Casa Nova Tiberias (casanova@koinoniagb.org), and someone with the name of Giacomo confirmed my reservation. No credit card, no down payment. He simply trusted my arrival.
When I checked in, the reception asked if I was XYZ. And I was like….. It makes sense because I have an Asian name. And so I asked if he was Giacomo？ He said yes! It was a very fun moment to meet someone who’s been corresponding emails with you in real life!
I booked 2 dorm beds (90NIS/$25, including breakfast). Giacomo told us that we were the only guests here tonight. I was like, “How come???? Is it because the church doesn’t want to receive guests?” And he said, “We do. It’s just… it doesn’t seem to have backpackers who want to stay with us…. Most people who come here prefer double room with private bathroom.” Well, who knows?
“So, is your role here mostly receiving guests?” I asked him.
“I’m actually a Father.” He gently said.
And my face was like….. :O
I had a bad day in that morning, but when I saw the humbleness in him, I realized there was so much that I still need to learn from people like Father Giacomo. It wasn’t a religious place like I thought it would be, it was like, home.
Casa Nova belongs to Catholic church. In the evening there are masses. It’s at 7PM on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursday, and 6:30PM on Fridays and Saturdays. And then the chapel opens from 08:30AM to 6:30PM on Sundays, (Note that in Israel, Sunday to Thursdays are working days. Friday evening to Saturday evening is shabbat.)
To the staircase. Yay, basalt architecture!
We are right beside the sea of Galilee. This building is built on a slope. The reception was on ground floor, but that’s actually 2nd floor… from the other side. The breakfast is downstairs, the balcony and shared kitchen is upstairs.
Common Area
Chapel is on the “real” ground floor. Or basement. Try to remember that Mass is at evening 7pm. It’s only for half an hour. Everyone is welcomed.
The dining area upstairs. You can have tea here. And on this balcony, you can see the Sea of Galilee! I watched sunrise from here!
There are 2 balconies actually. Different angle.
The second balcony… wait, I think this is the rooftop of the chapel??
The place is historical. I cannot believe I stayed here for only $25! In this picture, you can see Casa Nova Tiberias is one of the few buildings that existed back then. Like 1935 or something. Very old.
I love this area so much! Actually I had my dinner here (leftover food from another restaurant). Where was everyone else though? Probably most guests here come with groups. So they were not back yet!
I tried to see the light show here. Hmm. I didn’t see any.
Oh, and the communal kitchen. It’s super tidy and clean!
There are kettles, ovens, microwaves, kitchen utensils, cutlery, plates, and cleaning supplies. Everything is neat and organized. It shows that they actually want people to be able to cook here! That’s called friendliness!
The Room
Next to the dining room, you see the double room. It’s actually not that costly, maybe $80?
My dorm is on the real ground floor.
This is the dormitory for girls! 7 single beds! No bunk-beds! Yay! Towel is on the bed. There are 2 sofas and a basic closet.
The toilet and washroom is on the other side of the hallway. You will see 4 bathrooms (shower and toilet) behind this door on your left. Don’t go all the way to the end of this hallway because that’s their storage space!
Bathroom. Very basic but it’s clean! Toiletries was provided. It was a pity that hot water wasn’t hot enough. I borrowed hair dryer from Father Giacomo, but I didn’t have a chance to use it. But again, I thank him for showing me what humbleness is.
Breakfast
I passed by this altar or monument…
And arrived at this hall for breakfast (the white one)
From the main building where I stayed (basalt) to this hall, there are 2 churches in between. I think that’s the chapel of Casa Nova, and the other is St.Peter’s church! (The entrance is from the Sea shore side) 
Breakfast timing is from 07:30-08:30. Don’t sleep in! Don’t waste your life! Haha!
The hall was built by basalt. I think 30-40 people can fit.
Let’s see what breakfast options are!
Next to the toaster, is a kettle and tea bags. A variety of jams.
Cereal. Sweet cake (very Italian for breakfast!), hams (chicken?), olives, boiled eggs, butter.
Hot coffee and artificial juice.
It’s basic…. but less it more!! Life is more than enjoying good food! Right?
About curfew, I remeber you are supposed to be back by 11pm. I don’t think it’s a big deal for most people sicne Tiberias is quiet. Cash only. (So I went to ATM).
I left my luggage here after checkout. And I think people here were so kind. A sister moved my luggage to another room, and carried it back…. with smiles. And I think she was younger than me, but she finds delight in all these things. I’m just so happy for them, and their lives in Israel!
So, to make a reservation, write to casanova@koinoniagb.org. Father Giacomo replies in a day! It doesn’t matter what your religious background is, everyone is welcomed!
Final Verdict
Great option. Highly recommended. The only problem I had was with hot water Otherwise for $25 a night you get to stay in such as historical place! I like the ambiance a lot. So it’s a big yes from me!
Casa Nova Tiberias— 2018
Comment：Not that religious. Safe. Clean. Friendly. Just life home. Amazing balcony for watching sunrise. Basic breakfast. (7-bed dorm $25/ double room $80)
