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Jaffa Travel Guide
Jaffa, or Yafo in Hebrew, is a complete antithesis to its brash new northern neighbor Tel Aviv. Although the two form one municipal area, Jaffa has retained its distinct character, and is definitely worth visiting as part of an Israel tour of Tel Aviv. This historic city, which dates back three thousand years, can be divided into two main parts: Old Jaffa, with its port, Summit Hill and the artist’s quarter; and the rest of Jaffa and its multicultural neighborhoods that stretch southwards toward the coastal town of Bat Yam. Old Jaffa, a stone’s throw from Tel Aviv, is the perfect retreat if you seek some peace and quiet, and while you’re at, you can soak in the distinct laid back local atmosphere.
A Brief History of Jaffa
Jaffa in Antiquity
Jaffa is one of the world’s oldest cities, and its ancient harbor has been in use since the Bronze Age. The city’s history is that of successive conquests through the millennia. In antiquity, Jaffa was under the rule of Ancient Egypt, and in Biblical times, as mentioned in the Book of Joshua, Jaffa was noted as the domain of the Tribe of Dan, and its descendents lived and engaged in the maritime trades along the coast. In the first century AD, Jaffa came under Roman rule, and in the following centuries it became a marginal city.
Jaffa from the Middle Ages onwards
During the Middle Ages Jaffa came under Arab control, and served as the major regional port, and then a provincial capital. Jaffa was captured during the Crusades, and in the fifteenth century the city came under the control of the Ottoman Empire, remaining so until the start of the British Mandate in 1920. After the Declaration of Independence and the ensuing War of Independence, Jaffa became part of the new State of Israel, and in the 1950s it was merged into the new Municipality of Tel Aviv-Yaffo.
Jaffa Today
Nowadays, Jaffa is characterized by a highly diverse population of Jews, Muslims and Christians. Jaffa’s colorful and arty characteristics are important factors in the process of gentrification that the city is undergoing. There are galleries, music events, plenty of stylish places to dine, and winding alleyways and backstreets to explore.
Main Attractions in Jaffa
Summit Hill and the Artists Quarter
Summit Hill rises forty meters above the old port, offering terrific views of the Mediterranean coast to the north. Nearby is St. Peter’s, a nineteenth century Franciscan Church. Summit Hill is surrounded by beautiful gardens and pathways. Stretching behind Summit Hill are the winding alleyways of the artist’s quarter.
Jaffa Flea Market
Just off Yefet Road, past Jaffa’s Clock Square, is the Flea market. With high-quality antique furniture, bric-a-brac, and second hand clothing on offer, the bustling Flea Market is a popular attraction for Israelis and visitors alike. The Flea Market is open Sunday to Thursday, 09:00-17:00, and on Friday, 09:00-14:00.
Places to Eat in Jaffa
Jaffa has a huge variety of places to eat: gourmet restaurants, bistros serving the finest wines, and simple diners serving Romanian Kebabs and Middle Eastern staples such as hummus and fish and meat grilled over open air braziers. For Middle Eastern restaurants try Abu Hassan, located at 14 Shivtei Israel. Abulafia, a bakery on Yefet Street, is something of a Jaffa institution, and a favorite stopover for late night-party goers.
Finally, Puah, is a charming little restaurant and café located on Yochanan Street in the Flea Market.
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