Architectural, Cultural sights in Israel & The Palestinian Territories
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A
Burnt House
One of the more interesting sights of the Jewish Quarter is the Burnt House, located below the Quarter Café. The house, buried under rubble for centuries and only recently excavated, dates back to the Roman period, as evidenced by the many Roman coins found here. It was destroyed in AD 66 when the Romans put the city to the torch (hence the name of the house). Aside from the coins, a spear was found here, as well as the skeletal remains of a woman and a stone weight with the name ‘Kathros’ on it (Kathros was a priestly family living in the city at this time.) Piecing together history, the museum has created a well-made multimedia presentation shown in a number of language…
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El-Rais
Toward the end of the Ottoman era, local leaders such as Governor Daher el-Omar ruled the Galilee and Nazareth was in its heyday. Beautiful mansions flowered the city, many of which are still standing today. Recognisable by their red roof tiles, three arched windows and balcony, they also have richly decorated interiors, all Italian marble and colourful fresco ceilings. The house of El-Rais has 13 rooms with painted ceilings - one featuring the owner holidaying in Egypt with his wife.
Contact the tourist office (tel: 602 8219) to organise a visit.
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Bialik St
A short street lined with attractive buildings, Bialik St is a repository of Tel Avivian history. Look out for the Reuven Rubin House (14 Bialik St), the former residence of the artist of the same name. On display is a selection of his work and part of the artist's private collection of photographs and furnishings.
A few doors along Bialik House (22 Bialik St), former home of Chaim Nachman Bialik, Israel's national poet. It contains memorabilia connected with his life and work, but it was closed for renovations when we checked.
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B
Ticho House
The grand stone edifice surrounded by a lush garden of pine trees and roses, now called the Ticho House, was originally built in the late 19th century by an Arab dignitary. It was purchased in 1924 by Dr Abraham Ticho, an Austrian-born ophthalmologist who ran the mansion as an eye clinic, saving hundreds of Palestinian Arabs from blindness. Following his death, Dr Ticho’s wife, Anna, donated the building as an art centre and museum, for which it is still used today.
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Yemenite Quarter
Tel Aviv may be the city that never sleeps, but the Yemenite Quarter is one parcel of land smack in the centre that seems to have slumbered though the better part of the 20th century. An exotic oasis of narrow lanes, crumbling houses and smoky kitchens, the neighbourhood is just a couple of blocks away from the hustle and bustle of Allenby St. Its low rent has also attracted a bastion of bohemians and students looking for affordable peace in the city centre.
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C
Ben-Gurion Museum
The historical highlight of Ben-Gurion Ave and the home that once belonged to Israel's first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion. This site was maintained more or less as it was left at the time of David Ben-Gurion's death, the small rooms are simply furnished and contain part of the revered politician's library of some 20,000 books, as well as his correspondence with various world leaders.
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D
Reuven Rubin House
On Bialik St, a short street lined with attractive buildings, look out for the Reuven Rubin House, the former residence of the artist of the same name. On display is a selection of his work and part of the artist's private collection of photographs and furnishings.
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E
Home of Shimon Rokach
The former home of Shimon Rokach with its gilded copper dome, contains tributes to the man who envisioned the construction of Tel Aviv. Dating from 1887, the house now contains exhibits and videos that chronicle the early days of the city.
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F
Ben Yehuda House
Ben Yehuda house is where the great linguist lived and did much of his work on the revival of the Hebrew language. A plaque marking the house was stolen by ultraorthodox Jews, who strongly disapprove of the language's every-day use.
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G
Bialik House
Former home of Chaim Nachman Bialik, Israel's national poet. It contains memorabilia connected with his life and work, but it was closed for renovations when we checked.
reviewed
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H
181 HaYarkon St
An apartment block with an oddly designed façade that resembles a vertical rock garden. Make sure to look at both sides of the building.
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