Opened in late 2011, the new Old Jaffa Visitors Center provides those exploring Jaffa, the ancient port out of modern Tel Aviv has developed, and one of the oldest port cities in the world, with a new way to experience the story of this 4,000 year old city. The visitors center presents the long tumultuous history of Jaffa using multimedia, artifacts, and a virtual walking route through the ruins. It all sets the scene ready for visitors to venture out into the amazingly restored city and explore for themselves.
Built upon the ruins of a Jewish house which was destroyed during the Great Revolt against the Romans as well as the remains of a large, impressive Hellenistic structure, the Old Jaffa Visitors Center is itself part of history. Spanning across the 4,000 year history, the visitors center depicts the tale of Andromeda in an animated short, as well as a dynamic display of the city’s history, projected on a 16 meter long screen, and shows important events and eras, such as Egyptian rule 3500 years ago, Jonah fleeing from God, the spread of Christianity that began in Jaffa, Ottoman Rule, the wars and the reconstruction.
As well as the center itself, ‘Jaffa by ear ‘ is a self-guided tour of Jaffa with a map and audio guide which continues any visit to the new visitors center beyond its walls and out into the real world. The tour can last anywhere between an hour and a day.
Displays in the center operate in seven languages: Hebrew, English, Arabic, Russian, Spanish, French, and German.
Winter opening hours: Sun-Thu and Saturday 9-17, Friday 9-15 (Groups may coordinate visits in other hours). In summer: Sun-Thu and Saturday 9-20, Friday 9-17
Tickets: 15-30 NIS, audio tour of Old Jaffa gratis to those purchasing a ticket for the visitors’ center.
For more information, either contact the reservation Center on +972 (0)3-6037700/(0)3-6037686 or visit the website.
