Jaffa - The Old City and the Port Old Jaffa is one of the most attractive places to tour in Tel Aviv-Jaffa. The city which has always been the entry to the ancient land of Israel is succeeding, even today, its traditional aromas and fragrances which have always characterized it: beautiful stone buildings, narrow, winding alleys, a fishermen’s port, artists’ quarter, cafés s, restaurants and shops. In Jaffa there are ancient churches, which are among the most beautiful in Israel, serving the city’s Christian community, with open doors for visitors and the faithful. It is recommended walk to Jaffa along the Tel Aviv Promenade, which begins in North Tel Aviv and ends at the Jaffa Port. On the way, you pass the skyscrapers of the business center of South Tel Aviv and then you reach Old Jaffa. Like using a magic wand, moving from modern Israel to the magical Israel of bygone times, with city walls and stone buildings with arches. Instead of bustling, crowded streets there are narrow alleys and stone steps. In the center of the activity is the Clock Square, where can be found the Clock Tower built by the Turkish Sultan Abed-el-Hamid II in 1906. This is the traditional starting point for tours of Jaffa. Not far east of the Clock Square is the Flea Market, another beauty spot of Tel Aviv-Jaffa. It is worthwhile to wander through the alleyways of the area, where there are historic buildings of archeological significance, many of which are today being renovated and rejuvenated. In the past the city was surrounded by a wall, and remains of it and the City Gate can be seen along Hazorfim and Pasteur Streets. Now the time has come to continue westward and reach Old Jaffa itself. The area is situated on a high hill, overlooking the sea and Tel Aviv from the South, a beautiful, heartwarming sight. Kikar Kedumim is situated in the center of the area and the film on the history of Jaffa, at the visitors’ center is worth seeing. The alleys of Old Jaffa are named after the signs of the Zodiac and it is possible to find there artists galleries and Judaica shops, jewelry and art from top ranking artists. A pleasant stroll along these lanes is a very special experience and it is possible to include visits to the shops with a good meal or a drink at one of the kiosks, cafés s or restaurants there. On Festive days or the Sabbath, Old Jaffa is bustling with street artists, tourists and other visitors. One of the interesting sites is the Ilana Goor Museum, the home of the artist, which was formerly a Khan (hotel for visitors) which was beautifully renovated and overlooks an outstanding view. After a short walk you arrive at the picturesque Jaffa Port. The structure of the port retains much of its ancient history. Today it is used as an functioning fishing port and it is possible to buy fresh fish along its wharfs. Along the northern and eastern jetty are part-time with their lines in the sea. providing an attractive sight to see. It is possible to stroll along the jetty, to climb on the sea wall and walk to its end, to deep water. There, opposite, the famous Andromeda Rock may be seen. There is a marina at the Port and many people sail from here on pleasure trips. A variety of sea trips leave here daily to view the outstanding sight of the horizon of Tel Aviv-Jaffa from the direction of the sea. From the Port it is possible to climb narrow steps to the top of the Old Jaffa Hill. At the top of the hill is the Franciscan Church of St. Peter, which was established in the 17th Century, in which it is possible to visit the room where, the clergy strongly claim, Napoleon stayed after the capture of the city. The churches built in Jaffa belong to the main Christian streams, such as the Catholic, the Russian Patriarchate, the Greek Orthodox Church, the Greek-Catholic Church, the Lebanese-Marronic Church, the Armenian Church the Egyptian Coptic Church and the Lutheran Church. One of the most important sites for Christianity in Jaffa is the house of Simon the Tanner. On the roof of this house was the miracle of the unclean foods that became clean in the eyes of the Christians and, from here, he went out first to bring the message to all the peoples and not just to the Jews. Not far from here is the grave of St. Tabitha, who died at a young age and, because of good deeds, was returned to life by St. Peter, who said to her’ “Tabitha Rise”. Old Jaffa Every Wednesday. at 9:30 am (except holidays). Meeting point: Clock Tower, Jaffa (across from the Police Station). The tour embraces the picturesque Flea Market, archeological sites, the view of Tel Aviv from the Crest Garden (Gan Hapisga), tour of the renewed alleys of Old Jaffa, etc. Free guided walking tour in English. No need to book in advance. Back