Old Jaffa- Israel Pilgrimage

Old City Jaffa is today a part of Tel Aviv

 on the Mediterranean Coast.

Some things here don't seem like city life

 as you walk along the streets.

Some things show the patina of age.

In our six trips to Israel this 
was the first time we had the time frame 
to get out and walk the streets of Old Jaffa.

(Joppa in the New Testament)

St. Peter's Catholic Church was constructed 
in its present location because of the significance
 that Jaffa has to Christianity. 
It is located on a hill near the shore
 to serve as a beacon to pilgrims 
that the Holy Land is near. 
The church was built in 1654 
over a medieval citadel 
that was erected by Frederick I
 and restored by Louis IX of France
 at the beginning of the 13th century.
In the late 18th century the church
 was twice destroyed and then twice rebuilt. 
The current structure was built between 
1888-1894 and most recently renovated in 1903.

 The House of Simon the Tanner-

who hosted Peter.

This is where Peter raised Tabitha from the dead 

and saw his famous vision in which he was commanded

 to eat animals regarded as unclean in Jewish tradition. 

From this vision he began to forgo the Jewish laws 

and to preach Christianity to Jews and pagans alike.

A stop in Jaffa brings us to 

Jonah and the whale.

 This sculpture commemorates

 that Biblical story.

A walk along the coastal street was

steeped in history and charm.

A small cafe was a step back in time 

with great food and cordial hosts.

The history of Cafe Basma.

The rain was rolling in but
 we loved our stop here on the coast to visit 
Old City Jaffa.

Biblical stories referenced found in Acts 10
 and the book of Jonah.