Jaffa, Israel: Tourist Information Center; things to do

Tourist Information Center

17 Mazal Dagim St., +972 3 5184015.  Reservations advised. 

“Jaffa Tales” takes you on a multi-sensory tour of an archaeological site at the Tourist Information Center that was just recently enclosed and converted into an indoor museum.  In addition to actual excavations, visitors sit on colorful acrylic swivel stools while watching a 4-D virtual performance that brings the past to life.


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image courtesy of Tourist Information Center website

Jaffa, Israel: interior of Ilana Goor Museum & Gallery in Jaffa, Israel; things to do

Ilana Goor Museum & Gallery  

4 Mazal Dagim St., 972 3 683 7676.  Sun-F 10-4, Sat 10-6. 

interior of Ilana Goor Museum & Gallery in Jaffa, Israel

Built in the 18th century as the first Jewish hostel in Jaffa, this house welcomed pilgrims.  Then, in the 19th century, an Arab family that made olive oil soap lived here.  Curator/artist Ilana Goor--a native of Tiberius who moved to NYC when she was 20 and designed belt buckles for Bloomingdales--now lives part-time upstairs in this 270-year-old house that since 1995 has served as a gallery and museum (she divides her time between here and NYC).  The Ilana Goor Museum & Gallery is an intimate house museum that puts no glass between you and art.  Reflecting the curator’s personal taste, the eclectic collection displays different mediums, combines old and new, and includes functional art such as ancient Egyptian plows turned into benches.  Goor’s image is seen throughout.  Her puffy hair, big sunglasses, and oversize jewelry are reminiscent of Howard Stern and Steven Tyler, and it is interesting to know that Robert DeNiro stayed here in the upstairs guest room known as the Christianity Room.

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image c2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

Jaffa, Israel: St. Peter's Church; things to do

St. Peter's Church 

The largest building in Jaffa, the Franciscan Catholic St. Peter's Church has been re-built several times upon the site of a medieval citadel.  It commemorates the miracle of Saint Peter raising Tabitha from the dead.

exterior of St. Peter's Church in Jaffa, Israel

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image c2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

Introduction to Jaffa, Israel

The 4,500+-year-old city of Jaffa is the oldest working port city in the world.  Filled with ancient sandstone buildings, it is older than Jerusalem and, in fact, the Holy Land.  Named for Noah's son Japheth, it is where Jonah sailed from to be swallowed by a whale.  Andromeda was chained to a rock here, and in 1799 Napoleon conquered it in just three weeks. The city center is now an artists’ colony with upscale galleries and shops and is also home to a popular flea market.

men playing a board game outside in Jaffa, Israel

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image c2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers