The clock tower

To take in all the notable sites, at least three hours should be allowed for a tour of Old Jaffa. A good place to start is the Clock Tower, located in Clock Square. The tower was built by the Sultan Abed-el-Hamid the 2nd, in 1906 and his mark was inscribed on all four sides of the tower. Renovated in 1965 new clocks were installed, as well as stained glass windows which illustrate periods in Jaffa’s history.

A good place to start is the Clock Tower, located in Clock Square. The tower was built by the Sultan Abed-el-Hamid the 2nd, in 1906 and his mark was inscribed on all four sides of the tower. Renovated in 1965 new clocks were installed, as well as stained glass windows which illustrate periods in Jaffa’s history.

The Port of Jaffa

The Port of Old Jaffa is still a working port, with fishing boats operating just as they have done for hundreds of years. The ancient port is located just to the north of the modern port, where the tower of the sea mosque is located as well as the chain of rocks known as the ‘Andromeda’ rocks which formed the natural water break of the ancient port. In and around the port area there are numerous restaurants and shops, and in the evening the area has a wonderful romantic ambience.

The American Colony

The American Colony is located at the border of Jaffa, and is considered one of the area’s most fascinating places. Settled in 1866 by a group of Christians from the state of Maine, who arrived with readymade wooden cottages – the place was later taken over by German Templers who named the neighborhood ‘Walhalla’. The few buildings which remain include a hotel which housed the German Kaiser Wilhelm II and an impressive church, as well as the Main Friendship house.