![]() And then, of course, purchase something!Įverything you'll see is an authentic, hand-made creation 3. You really can spend hours watching artists paint, weave and give calligraphy demonstrations. This part of the country is also an excellent place to shop for gifts, and if you’re looking for souvenirs from Israel, there are all kinds of art, sculptures, and Judaica (seder plates, mezuzot, menorot, etc). Many of them are well-known in Israel and if you’re lucky you’ll actually meet one or two of them, at work inside. ![]() Between the blue doors and nooks and crannies of tiny streets, you’ll find many artists’ studios. The main street itself is always busy, but if you wander off the beaten track, you’ll have an amazing experience. Make sure you have comfy shoes before you set off because you’ll be doing a fair bit of walking - there are plenty of steps, and narrow, winding paths, and do expect to get lost! ![]() There are few things more charming in Israel than a wander through the Artists’ Quarter of Safed. Today, it will afford you tremendous views over the Sea of Galilee (the ‘Kinneret’ in Hebrew). A historical landmark, fortresses across Israel (including this) date back to the Second Temple era but the remains today are from Crusader, Mamluk, and Ottoman times.Īrchaeologists believe that it once sat on an area of 40 dunams, had seven defensive towers, and fortresses, and survived until 1837 when an earthquake struck and was plundered by locals. The highest point in the highest city in Israel (about 1,000 meters above sea level) the Citadel is at the hub of the city and, in some ways, takes center stage in Safed. And the air in Safed - well, some say it’s the purest in the entire land, which is reason enough to make a trip here. Safed is famous for many things - an ancient Citadel, a charming Artist's Quarter, cobblestone streets, narrow alleyways, medieval synagogues but also an air of spirituality - which is intrinsically tied up with kabbalah - an old, esoteric Jewish school of thought, concerning mysticism, the divine realms, and metaphysics.Įven the rooftops of the city are imbued with this ancient tradition - they are blue, which in Kabbalistic philosophy is a color that symbolizes water, and tricks evil spirits into thinking they cannot pass. Historically, it was one of the four most sacred cities in the Holy Land (along with Jerusalem, Hebron and Tiberias) and after you’ve spent a day exploring it you’ll understand why. High up in the Galilee is where you’ll find Safed - perched on a hill, this ancient city is breathtakingly pretty, with a mystical air that is noticeable the moment you arrive. ![]() And after you’ve walked the streets of the Old City of Jerusalem, sunned yourself on white sandy Tel Aviv beaches, explored ancient fortresses in the Judean desert and floated in the Dead Sea, then it’s time to head north. ![]() If you want to be transported back to another time, then making a trip to Israel is the way to do it. ![]()
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