Jaffa

In recent decades, Jaffa has become part of Tel Aviv, but for the previous 4,000 years it was a separate city with a rich history that its larger neighbor can only dream of. In the past it was one of the main trading ports of the Mediterranean, with Jaffa being the starting point of the main road to Jerusalem. Traveling from Europe, thousands of pilgrims, Crusaders and many others made their way to the Holy Land through Jaffa.

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Today, Jaffa is a bustling Arab suburb of Tel Aviv, but in the streets of the Old City you will find peace, quiet and unusual architecture.

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    Artists’ Quarter

    The charm of old Jaffa is created by the cobblestone streets running from Kedumim Square to the harbor. Narrow alleys with old stone houses form a labyrinth in which it is easy to get lost (which is exactly what it is recommended to do).

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    Among these alleys and lanes are numerous art galleries, whose extravagant owners open their homes to visitors to admire their talent and skill, as well as the beauty of Jaffa’s old houses. The main street of the artists’ quarter is called Mazal Dagim.

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    Clock Tower

    The beautiful tower serves as Jaffa’s calling card. It is one of seven clock towers built during the Ottoman Empire to help merchants arriving at the port get used to European time. A free city tour departs from the Clock Tower at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

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    Kedumim Square and Ha-Pigsa Park

    In the center of old Jaffa is Kedumim Square, home to the Jaffa History Museum and Visitor Center (open: daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; entrance fee). Stairs lead down to the recently renovated museum, which tells the history of the city. Around the square are the Franciscan church of St. Peter, which legend says Napoleon visited (his statue is in the square), and the ornate Greek Orthodox church of St. Michael and St. Tavifa. On one side of the square, the cobblestones of the artists’ quarter lead to the port, and on the other, atop a low hill, is the Ha-Pigsa Park (admission is free). Narrow paths wind among beautiful plants, the hilltop offers a beautiful view of the Tel Aviv coastline, and a small amphitheater hosts concerts in the summer.

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    Port

    Walking through the quiet, peaceful port with its small fishing boats, piles of nets, warehouses housing art galleries, and fish restaurants, it’s hard to imagine that this was once one of the world’s most important and busy ports. Indeed, archaeological evidence indicates that as far back as 4,000 years ago, the Egyptians and Phoenicians were using the port. It is believed to be the oldest continuously operating port in the world. In the Bible, Jaffa is mentioned as the point through which building materials for the First Temple, built by King Solomon, were delivered to the Holy Land. The city’s name is associated with the Greeks, the Apostle Peter, the Romans, Richard the Lionheart and the Crusaders, Napoleon, the Ottoman rulers and General Allenby, who conquered the city during the British Mandate. Several rocks can be seen in the sea near the waterfront, the darkest of which is called Andromeda Rock. According to Greek myth, the father of the beautiful Andromeda, King Cepheus, chained his daughter to this rock as a sacrifice to a sea monster created by Poseidon. The hero Perseus killed the monster and freed the girl.

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    Suk HaPishpeshim (flea market)

    This market gives you a real Middle Eastern atmosphere: noise, bustle, bright colors and traditional goods. Anything can be bought and sold here: copper and bronze items, Persian tiles, Judaica. Used clothes, fabrics and antique furniture add variety to the chaotically arranged stalls. On Friday mornings, the market is crowded as many locals come here looking for a treasure to find among the piles of unwanted items; the restaurants, cafes and art galleries surrounding the market are not overlooked.

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    Open: Mon-Fri 10.00-18.00, Fri 10.00-14.00. Bus: 10 (from Ben-Yehuda Street).

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