After ancient Jaffa merged with modern Tel Aviv, only the latter continued to develop as befits an advanced metropolis. Jaffa, meanwhile, seemed to stand still, carefully preserving its culture and architecture, remaining unchanged not just for centuries, but for entire millennia.
The Old City was built in the Turkish style with touches of later 17th-century Christian buildings. Hidden here, away from the noisy city, is the artists' quarter. Among the important architectural landmarks here are the Al-Bahr Mosque - the "Sea Mosque" - and St. Peter's Church.
In the 20th century, Jaffa became a kind of magnet for the bohemian set and creative personalities. Here, on narrow streets amid ancient stone buildings, there is a huge concentration of art galleries, exhibitions, museum salons, artists' and sculptors' studios. In addition, unique souvenirs and other interesting items are made in craft workshops using ancient techniques. You can buy souvenirs in one of the small specialized shops.
Each of the twelve intersecting streets in the artists' quarter is named after a particular sign of the zodiac, as indicated by the illustrated plaques. Tourists rub these plaques until they shine, sincerely believing that their wishes will come true after this simple ritual.
