Old Jaffa, Tel Aviv-Yafo

4 more images

The port was what made Jaffa important through the ages, and also brought upon the town many conquerors interested in gaining control of the strategic port (among them also Napoleon). The port was active from Canaanite times (2nd millennium BC) until the mid-20th-century. It is even mentioned in the Bible as the port where Jona the prophet boarded a ship.

As it is not suitable for the docking of big, modern ships, it fell into disuse and neglect for a few decades in the late 20th century, but is now gradually developing into a recreational area, continuous with the artists' quarter in the lanes of Old Jaffa.

Today there are restaurants, galeries and shops, the old hangars are finding new uses, and street festivals are also held in the Jaffa port.
You can take boat tours of the harbor and the coast of Tel-Aviv and Jaffa.

One of the landmarks on the hill of Old Jaffa is St. Peter's church. It can be seen from the sea as you approach Jaffa, and from the Tel-Aviv promenade, sitting at the edge of the Jaffa promontory. As Jaffa's old port was the entrance gate to the Land of Israel for pilgrims over the ages, St. Peter's church was the sight that welcomed them on their arrival. There used to be a hostel for pilgrims here in the 17th century.

The church was built on the site believed by the Catholics to be the house of Simon the Tanner, where St. Peter stayed and had a famous dream which appears in the New Testament.

The church has been built, destroyed and rebuilt several times during its long history: constructed in the Byzantine period, destroyed during the Arab conquest (7th century), rebuilt by Crusaders, destroyed by Mamluks (13th century), rebuilt by the Franciscans, destroyed again, finally rebuilt in the late 19th century in Spanish Baroque style.

Today the church is in use by Catholic immigrant-workers from Poland and South America and by members of diplomatic delegations. It is also frequented by many Catholic tourists.

1 more image

If you don't mind a short steep climb, the Hill-Slope Park is the most impressive way of getting to the Old Jaffa hill.

From the quay on the sea level ("Retzif Ha-Aliya Ha-Shniya") the path meanders up the hill. Climbing the many stairs look at the slender mosque minaret to your right, and at the beautiful view which spreads underneath you: the blue sea, the promenade, Tel-Aviv's hotels and its high-rise skyline. There are several benches along the way, and at night this is one of the most romantic spots in Tel Aviv.

When you reach the top, on Mifratz-Shlomo Street, you can stop, take a breath and sit down on one of the benches to admire the view. You will find a few small cannons from Napoleon's time right there.

From there you can either continue up the street to Kedumim Square, the center of Old Jaffa, or cross the street and continue up the hill (this is a much more moderate slope) into the Summit Park (see separate tip).

2 more images

The Summit Park was created on the top of the hill of Old Jaffa. It affords the best views of Tel-Aviv: the Mediterranean, the beaches, the promenade, the hotel and the business district with its high rise buildings are there at your feet.

At the very top there is a white sculpture named "The Gate of Faith", depicting three Biblical scenes from the Old Testament: the sacrifice of Isaac, Jacob's dream and the conquest of Jericho. Tourists love to have their picture taken at this gate, with the view of Tel-Aviv and the sea in the background.

The slope of the Summit Park hill was shaped as an ampitheater, and in the summer free open-air concerts are held here. The vegetation in the park was especially chosen to be resistant to the wind and the salt.

3 more images

In the center of the hill of Old Jaffa you will find a large open square. Underneath the surface are some archaeological excavations which yielded findings from the ancient Egyptian, Philistine and Hasmonean periods. A figure dressed like a Napoleonin soldier points the way to the Visitor Center in the square (Napoleon was one of Jaffa's many conquerors).

In the Kedumim Square you will also notice a nice modern fountain, representing the zodiac signs. From there a maze of narrow lanes lead to Jaffa's art galleries and finally to the port.

4 more images

This is a far cry from the buzz of modern Tel-Aviv: Taking a walk in the lanes of Old Jaffa is a journey back in time to the Ottoman period (pre World War I): The narrow passages with stone houses, arches and steps, lots of steps taking you up and down the steep hill of Old Jaffa. The pace of life here is in stark contrast to the fast pace of Tel Aviv: No cars, lazy, quiet (except for the groups of tourists you meet here and there), cats dozing in the sun...

The character of these lanes has certainly changed since Ottoman times: you will not see donkey-drawn carts and porters carrying goods up from the port, these have long disappeared, and if you want to see them you can look at Nachum Gutman's paintings in thr museum dedicated to him in the neighborhood of Neve Tzedek.

Today the lanes are lined with art galleries and tourist shops, but have retained a unique atmosphere and character. They are named after the twelve signs of the zodiac: Look for yours!

Old Jaffa - the old part of this modern city has a few places to see:
-the clock tower
-the wishing bridge
-the gardens
-the old harbour
-the old winding streets
-abu elafim bakery

BEACHES-6km of beach heaven in this city and thats one of the main reasons to be here - to party and beach it! there are different beaches, from religious beach to gay beach to drummers beach to banana beach. The water is crystal clear, the skies blue, the heat immense, the people beautiful. youll find it hard to drag yourself off the beach!

Nightlife-you just have to sample it.

4 more images

Wander round the old town of Jaffa - the oldest port in the world still in constant use.
A lovely Arab old town that was renovated in the 1960s, perched on a rocky prominitory above the Mediterranean (see separate tip).

The port itself, while not so busy as it once was, remains a working port. So no fancy marina here with fancy restaurants. A couple of long-established fish restaurants and a small craft market on Saturdays is what you'll find (sadly the best restaurant closed down).

It is, however, currently undergoing renovation - time will tell what will happen tot he character of the Old City and POrt of Jaffa.