St. Peter's Church in Jaffa was built in 1654 on the site of a Crusader citadel that had stood here since the 13th century. Two rooms of the fortress have even survived at the church - small round chambers with embrasures and low ceilings. They say Napoleon lived in them during his Egyptian campaign in 1799.
The Christian church was destroyed twice, and twice it was rebuilt again. The building that can be seen today was constructed from 1888 to 1894.
St. Peter's Church became one of the most recognizable buildings in Old Jaffa. For a long time, the temple building and its graceful bell tower were the tallest structures in the area. Even now, the beautiful bell tower with its clock can be seen from afar, since the old districts have preserved the charm of ancient buildings no more than 2-3 stories high.
The location of this prominent church with a tall tower on a hill by the coast made it a kind of lighthouse, a symbol of the nearness of the Holy Land for pilgrims arriving here by sea.
The church belongs to the Catholic Church, or more precisely, to the Franciscan order. Masses are held here in different languages, including Polish and Spanish.
The church's interior is very beautiful: marble walls, high vaulted ceilings, stained-glass windows, and carved column capitals are no less impressive than those of famous European cathedrals.
