Old Jaffa is a kind of a beautiful ancient park in Jaffa city in Israel, which due to its special characteristics it has became one of the popular tourist sites.
This south-western part of the city includes a port on the Mediterranean Sea, and it is also one of the most ancient port cities in the world. This place contains great places to visit, no matter when you decide on getting over. No matter if it is at day time, when you can enjoy the view of Tel Aviv beaches that lies on the opposing side, or at the sunset hours that paint a rare romantic picture. It can be at the evening hours. Then you can take a walk along the promenade, and continue to eat at one of the most exclusive restaurants in the country.
Old Jaffa's special charm can be reviled only when you travel its narrow lanes, and find hidden special places.
Among the Must Places list, there are a few you can enjoy while visiting the old part of Jaffa.
The Clock Square: built in 1906, (Ottoman period) in a gesture of honor to the Sultan Abed al-Hamid II's 25th anniversary, became the center of Jaffa, and it is centered between Jaffa's markets. The Abulafia bakery: in Yeffeth Street (the main street of Jaffa) are a famous restaurant and a symbol of Jewish-Arab coexistence.
Mahamoudia Mosque: This was built by Abu Nabut (the city governor during the 19th century- the ottoman period) and includes a water fountain for pilgrims. St. Peter Church: a Franciscan church, built in the 19th century on the remains of Crusaders' fortress, which serves also as a hostel. It is told that Napoleon stayed in that church while it was a hostel. The Andromeda rock: according to legends this was the rock to which beautiful Andromeda was chained. How to find it? Just look straight to the see, and than you will notice a line of rocks, and this is the Andromeda rock.
The Zodiac alleys: a network of restored alleys, full with art galleries, which lead to the Jaffa seaport. Mean time you walking; you can look after your zodiac sign in one of the alleys. Jaffa's Old Seaport: just go to the sea and than you will notice the remnant of ancient wall and a beautiful authentic wharf.
Jaffa's Hill: a center for archeological excavations of the ancient cities. The most ancient are the Ancient Egyptian gates, about 3,500 years old, which were restored.
The Libyan Synagogue: called Beit Zunana was purchased by the Jewish landlord Zunana in the 18th century. During the 19th century it stopped being used as a synagogue, and became a hostel and later a soap factory. In 1948 it was re-established as a synagogue for Libyan Jewish immigrants, and in 1995 it became a museum.
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