Kedumim Square, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Guida per visitatori e cosa fare nei dintorni

Kedumim Square is the central plaza of Old Jaffa in Tel Aviv-Yafo, and its Hebrew name means "The Square of Ancient Times". It sits at the heart of the old port quarter, beside the Visitor Center and the Franciscan Church of St Peter, and it is the natural starting point for exploring the lanes of Jaffa.

The story behind it

The name fits the ground. Archaeological excavations in the 1950s uncovered remains from several different periods here, and the square became a way of showing that Jaffa's story reaches back through many layers of history. Jaffa is one of the oldest port towns on the Mediterranean, and the square is where that long past is easiest to feel.

Beside the square stands St Peter's Church, part of a Franciscan monastery. The Franciscans have been present in Jaffa since the 17th century, and the church you see today was largely rebuilt in the 19th century. The area also has a link to the French army, which took Jaffa in 1799 during Napoleon's campaign in the region.

What to look for

• The fountain in the middle of the square, a good landmark for getting your bearings before you head into the lanes.
• The large bulk of St Peter's Church above the square, which stands out among the lower stone houses of the old quarter.
• The exposed archaeological remains around the plaza, a reminder that the ground beneath your feet holds layers from many eras.
• The stone archways and narrow alleys that lead away from the square toward the port and the sea.

Tips for your visit

• Give the square itself 15 to 20 minutes, then keep walking. Its real value is as a gateway to the rest of Old Jaffa.
• Come in the morning or late afternoon, when the light on the stone is softer and the lanes are cooler and calmer.
• The Visitor Center is right on the square, so it is an easy place to pause and ask about local sights. Check current opening hours.
• The port, the clock tower and the seafront promenade are all close, so pair the square with a longer stroll through the old town.

See it on a quest

The best way to see Kedumim Square is as one stop on a longer route. Jaffa's Old Town: The Gatekeeper’s Journey (Tel Aviv) is a self-guided walk through the old town that passes through the square on foot. The app tells you about each place as you arrive and sets a puzzle based on what is in front of you, so you look closely at the square instead of just passing through. It is a paid quest, and one ticket covers the whole group. You can start whenever you like, with no guide and no group to join.