Jaffa

JAFFA’S OLD CITY

Old Jaffa is a focal tourist attraction, located to the south of Tel Aviv. The area is packed full of fascinating historical attractions, including the ancient port, as well as picturesque romantic alleyways and gardens. With over 4000 years of history at its disposal, Old Jaffa is one of most ancient towns in the world, mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments. The town was coveted by each new ruler, and today Jaffa bears the imprint of each – from Turks, to Napoleon to the British.

Old Jaffa is situated on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, and its history as an ancient fortress is clearly apparent. Clock Square is a good central place to start a tour of the district, and is where you will find a Clock Tower which was built in 1906 by a Turkish Sultan – Abed-el-Hamid the 2nd. In the center of the town is Kedumim Square which features a museum and tourist information center – and from here you can wander the alleyways which are named after signs in the zodiac. The Franciscan Church of St Peter is another highlight and is where Napoleon is believed to have stayed after the capture of the city.

The streets of Old Jaffa are filled with artists’ studios and art galleries, as well as charming unique restaurants, which give the district a unique romantic atmosphere bringing together shades of the Middle East along with a chic European ambiance. The best way to reach Old Jaffa is by foot – via the beachfront promenade from Tel Aviv- taking you to the northern entrance of Jaffa, and affording you beautiful views along the way.