Jaffo
Old town
Clock Tower
The narrow streets of Old Jaffa
View of Tel Aviv from Jaffa Park
Jaffo
Jaffa is one of the oldest cities in the world and a true gem among Israel’s attractions. Located on the Mediterranean coast, it perfectly combines ancient history, Eastern charm, and modern cultural trends.
The history of Jaffa spans more than 4,000 years. This ancient port was a major center of trade and a strategic point for conquerors ranging from the Egyptians to the Crusaders and Ottomans. According to the Bible, it was from this very port that the prophet Jonah set sail on his famous journey.
What to See in Jaffa?
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The Old City and its narrow alleys. Walking through the ancient stone streets of Jaffa feels like stepping back in time. The Old City enchants visitors with its winding alleys, cozy cafés, and artists’ workshops. Don’t miss Kedumim Square, home to archaeological excavations and the famous Zodiac Fountain.
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Jaffa Port. Once the gateway to the Holy Land, this ancient port has been transformed into a vibrant leisure area. Along the promenade, you’ll find restaurants with sea views, art galleries, and boutique shops. The port is a perfect spot for a stroll, especially at sunset.
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The Clock Tower. Built in 1903 in honor of the Turkish sultan, this tower is one of Jaffa’s main landmarks. It rises above the central square of the city, a gathering place especially during Christmas celebrations.
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St. Peter’s Church. This landmark is so fascinating that it deserves special attention separately.
Jaffa is not only a historic site but also a lively city full of creative energy. It attracts visitors from all over the world with its unique atmosphere and blend of antiquity and modern life. Whether it’s strolling along the seafront, tasting local cuisine, or shopping at flea markets, Jaffa offers unforgettable experiences.
Include this remarkable city in your travel guide to Israel, and you’ll discover one of the country’s most beautiful and unique destinations!
The Clock Tower is a remnant of the Ottoman Empire
The Jaffa Clock Tower is one of the most recognizable architectural symbols of the ancient port and modern Tel Aviv. Rising at the intersection of Yefet Street and Jerusalem Boulevard, it greets visitors as a reminder of the unbroken connection between past and present.
The tower was built in 1903, at the end of Ottoman rule, on the initiative of local Jewish entrepreneur Moshe Menachem, with the support of Turkish authorities and donations from local residents. It became one of seven clock towers erected across the Ottoman Empire to mark the 25th anniversary of Sultan Abdul Hamid II’s reign, alongside towers in cities such as Sidon, Nablus, and Haifa.
Constructed from local limestone, the tower’s architecture blends Eastern and European influences. Its clocks, visible on all four sides, served as a practical landmark for locals and merchants arriving at Jaffa Port.
Today, the Jaffa Clock Tower stands as a symbolic gateway to Old Jaffa. It continues to mark time more than 120 years later. While its mechanisms have been modernized, its exterior remains just as it appeared to the city’s residents at the dawn of the 20th century.
St. Peter's Church in Jaffa
In the very heart of Old Jaffa, near the ancient port and on a high hill overlooking the sea, stands St. Peter’s Church, one of the most remarkable Christian landmarks in Israel. This Catholic church, administered by the Franciscan order, carries deep historical and spiritual significance for both pilgrims and tourists.
The current building was constructed in 1888 on the site of earlier churches dating back to the 17th century. The church is dedicated to the Apostle Peter, the first of Christ’s disciples and a central figure in Christian tradition. According to the Acts of the Apostles, it was here in Jaffa that Peter received a vision of an angel calling him to travel to Caesarea to meet the centurion Cornelius — a pivotal moment in spreading Christianity among the Gentiles.
St. Peter’s Church is one of the few Catholic churches in Israel oriented westward, symbolically “facing” the pilgrims who once arrived by sea. The building, designed in the Neo-Baroque style, features a tall bell tower that long served as a landmark for sailors.
Inside, the church impresses with its beauty and light. The main pulpit, shaped like a tree, is particularly striking — symbolizing the Tree of Life and Peter’s apostolic mission, it seems to “grow” from the floor, embracing the altar. Above the main altar, a large painting depicts Peter’s meeting with Cornelius, underlining the biblical importance of the site.
Why the church is special:
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Services are held in several languages, including English, Spanish, Polish, and Hebrew.
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It is a beloved destination for Catholic pilgrims following in the footsteps of the Apostle Peter.
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Located in the very center of Old Jaffa, just 100 meters from the Wishing Bridge, the church also offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Tel Aviv and the Mediterranean Sea.
Unique corners of Old Jaffa
After visiting St. Peter’s Church, don’t miss other unique spots of Old Jaffa, each filled with history, legends, and art.
Wishing Bridge
On top of the hill, in the park next to the church, lies the Wishing Bridge — a small wooden bridge wrapped in local legends. Tradition says: if you stand on the bridge, place your hand on your zodiac sign, and make a wish while gazing at the sea, it will surely come true. Along the railings, you’ll find bronze zodiac reliefs, and the bridge leads to a scenic viewpoint overlooking Tel Aviv.
Suspended Orange Tree
Not far from here, in Jaffa’s art quarter, you’ll find one of the most photogenic and intriguing sites — the Suspended Orange Tree. It’s a real orange tree growing in a large clay pot, hanging mid-air by metal cables. Created by Israeli artist Ran Morin, it symbolizes uprooted roots and hope for renewal. It has become a metaphor for migration, Israeli history, and Jaffa itself — the city of oranges.
HaPisga Park
Right next to the Wishing Bridge is HaPisga Park, a green hill with shady paths, viewpoints, and archaeological remains. It’s the perfect place to relax after wandering Jaffa’s stone alleyways. The park offers panoramic views of Tel Aviv, the Mediterranean Sea, and Jaffa Port. Here you can also see remnants of ancient city walls and gates, as well as an open-air amphitheater that hosts plays and concerts in summer.
These landmarks make Old Jaffa not only a place of pilgrimage, but also one of the most romantic and atmospheric corners of Israel — where history, art, and nature merge into one.
