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Old Jaffa Port

Tel Aviv travel guide

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 There is a marina at the Port and many people sail from here on pleasure trips.

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. One of the most important sites for Christianity in Jaffa is the house of Simon the Tanner.

Historians believe that Jaffa is the only port in the world which can boast uninterrupted in habitation throughout its entire existence. The biblical account mentions that the cedars from Lebanon for the construction of King Solomon’s Temple came in via Jaffa. Jonah departed from this city in his flight from God. Greek legend tells of the chaining of the beautiful Andromeda to the rocks facing Jaffa’s shore. Simon the Tanner lived in Jaffa, and it was here that the Apostle Peter performed a miracle. Roman legions, Richard the Lion Hearted, Napoleon and Turkish sultans all conquered the city; but with the eclipse of the Ottoman Empire, the city’s vitality declined. Towards the end of World War I, the city was conquered by General Allenby, ushering in the period of the British Mandate.

The port of Jaffa, (the sole port at the time) served as the point of entry for the increased Jewish immigration which came to resettle the land.

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.

Charles Clore Park is Located just north to the Port and is accessible by the new promenade that will take you all the way to Tel Aviv – around 20 minutes walk along the Mediterranean beach.

For a budget accommodation, Old Jaffa Hostel is an excellent choice which guests are accepted personally located not far from the port in the middle of Jaffa’s Oriental Bazaar – lively during the day, quiet at night and within walking distance to anything you need in the big city.

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Tel Aviv University

A short visit to Tel Aviv University in Ramat Aviv, a neighborhood in the north of Tel Aviv, can be a fun experience, thanks to the lively campus atmosphere and some of the interesting buildings scattered around. Tel Aviv University is the biggest university in Israel and the biggest Jewish center for academic studies in the world. One of the main attractions here is the Nahum Goldman Museum of the Jewish Diaspora, a.k.a as Beth Hatefutsoth. It tells the story of 2,500 years of Jewish history since the expulsion from the land of Israel until the present day. The Jewish existence in different parts of the world is expressed in 3D reconstructions, documentary films, audio-visual shows and other forms of media. The permanent exhibition covers three floors and shows the daily life of Jewish people in the Diaspora. Telling this special story, Beth Hatefutsoth has evolved into far more than a museum - it touches the lives of Jews throughout the world, and as such is truly worthy of the "Museum of the Jewish People" title. Another interesting building is the Cymbalista Synagogue and Jewish Heritage Center. This unique building is marked by twin columns, containing an orthodox synagogue and an auditorium. These columns symbolize the attempt to bridge the secular and religious streams in current Israeli society. Tel-Aviv University runs a guided campus tour every Monday. The tour reviews Israeli architecture as demonstrated throughout the campus, including styles, international influences, stories of buildings and architects and landscape design. Outside the campus Territory of Tel Aviv University there is another attraction - since a part of the university was built on a hill, the eastern entrance offers visitors some great panoramic views of the northern end of the city. It is definitely a nice spot to end this part of your tour. Description: A journey to Tel Aviv university campus offers the Jewish Diaspora museum, the Cymbalista Synagogue and a nice panoramic view of the northern end of the city.

Beit Kandinof Restaurant, Jaffa

In Jaffa's Old City, Beit Kandinof is an elegant culinary venue with imposing arches and exposed rock walls framing eclectic dining rooms. Mediterranean-fusion cuisine, handpicked from local producers and the Jaffa markets, is served at the restaurant. As the first art center and high-end restaurant to be combined in the region, Beit Kandinof is located in a historic building within Jaffa's old city. Contemporary art is displayed in five galleries at Beit Kandinof's center. The best pieces from Tel Aviv and Israel are hand-picked for you. A new exhibit is featured every four months, featuring both established and emerging artists. Hatzorfim 14, Tel Aviv-jaffa 03-6502938 Opening Hours: Sunday-Thursday 17:00-23:00 *Sunday to Thursday 30% on the entire menu between 17: 00-19: 00 *

Tel Aviv Marina

Tel Aviv has two Marinas which provide anchor for yachts and boats, as well as sailing, diving services, and repair services for sailing vessels, etc. The main Marina is located in the heart of the hotel area in tel aviv, alongside Atarim (Namir) Square, while the other is at the Jaffa port. Sail boats and wind surf equipment can be hired at the Tel Aviv Marina, and there is a school for motor boat and yacht sailing, as well as the possibility of hiring yachts. There are Customs and Border Control services at the Tel Aviv Marina. For details call 03-620-2596. The Carlton Hotel and the Marina hotel are located along side the Marina as well.

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