Jaffa Museum (Museum of Antiquities)

Here you can find ancient archaeological artifacts and contemporary artwork under one roof. The building is an artifact itself—it began as a Crusader fortress in the 11th century. It was then destroyed and rebuilt many times throughout the following centuries as Jaffa was conquered over and over again. The current structure was built during the Ottoman Empire and originally served as the administrative center of Jaffa, a post office, and a prison cell. Today, you may explore this fascinating building richly steeped in culture and history, where you will find unique artifacts left behind by the various peoples that inhabited the place, a never-ending list including: Canaanites, Egyptians, Persians, Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. Not only will you discover ancient art, but also contemporary works as well, with new and interesting exhibits changing frequently. It’s a shining example of the long and complex evolution of Jaffa…and how it continues to evolve each day.