Tel Aviv has more than 400,000 inhabitants and is the second largest city in Israel after Jerusalem. For the historically interested traveler, Tel Aviv has a lot to offer that should definitely be seen.
History of origin
Historically, the founding of this city is extremely interesting. The port city of Jaffa, which had existed since ancient times, became too narrow for the people. In 1909, sixty-six Jewish families from Jaffa, in Palestine, which was then still under Ottoman rule, decided to found the settlement Achusat Bajit on a piece of land. The lots were drawn by lot. Tel Aviv was created as early as 1910 through the merger with other districts. The name means spring hill. Due to the settlement of many emigrants from all over the world, this original suburb of Jaffa developed rapidly in the eclectic architectural style that was valued at the time. There were over 4,000 houses around 1930. Many also in the Bauhaus style, as Jews from Germany, including many architects, emigrated when the National Socialists came to power. In 1948 the State of Israel was proclaimed by David Ben-Gurion. Since 1950 the official name has been Tel Aviv – Jaffa.
Tel Aviv today
It has become a cultural and economic center. Art, culture, markets, restaurants, cafes, discos and clubs lead to the fact that one says that Tel Aviv is a “city that never sleeps”. Beaches with the finest sand and a great beach promenade attract people.
White city
Many of Tel Aviv’s founding houses were so neglected that they had to be demolished. The approximately 1,000 remaining houses were renovated and made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003. In 2009 they were placed under monument protection. Since all the facades were whitewashed, this part of the city, the former settlement of Jewish immigrants, was given the name “White City”.
Old Harbor – Farmers Market
There are three ports in Tel Aviv. One of them is about 5,000 years old and no longer in use. The Jewish refugees arrived here in 1938. Today the “Old Harbor” is a popular shopping street with excellent restaurants. This is where the farmers’ market, which is also popular with the locals, is located. Fruit, vegetables and many other goods are always fresh, cheaply priced directly from the farmer. The covered market is open every day, the outdoor market on Friday. A visit to this market is an experience for all the senses.
Botanical gardens
The 32,000 square meter area belongs to the university. Trees, flowers and plants in a huge variety of more than 3,000 species inspire every nature lover. During walks in nature and unbelievable beauty you will find ecological gardens, desert plants, tropical plants, oases and much more, and you can enjoy the peace and quiet.
Tel Aviv Museum – Museum of Art
This museum has existed since 1932 and has been expanded again and again. 1959 with the Helena Rubinstein Pavilion for contemporary art. The “Herta and Paul Amir Building”, which opened in 2011, is itself a 19,000 square meter architectural work of art. The American architect Preston Scott Cohen won an architectural competition with it. A sculpture garden extends this museum.
Eretz Israel Museum
One of the most important museums in Israel is a must for anyone interested in Jewish history. Culture, folklore, traditional handicrafts, excavations, mosaic floors, olive and wine presses, a planetarium and more can be seen here.
Independence Hall
Everything about the founding of Tel Aviv is recorded in the museum. Meir Dizengoff, engineer, businessman, glass manufacturer from Palestine and later mayor, built this house in 1932. The State of Israel was proclaimed here in 1948.
Ben-Gurion’s private home
is a historical sight with the adjoining museum, which Ben-Gurion shows in many photos with statesmen of his time. The huge library is also worth seeing.
German Templars bought this swamp area in 1871, drained it and established a Templar colony. After their expulsion, it was the first seat of government of Israel from 1948-1955. Today 27 colored houses, newly renovated, shine in their original splendor with artistic ceramic floors. Sarona became the largest monument preservation project. Sarona was only recently completed, bears the old name again, and offers shopping, restaurants and more in a great atmosphere.
Orange suspendu
A hanging orange tree installed by Ran Moon in 1993, which grows from a natural stone seed, is an extraordinary sight in the old town. The tree shows signs of age, just like a person, and is considered a monument to the last Jaffa orange but also to lost orange groves.
