How long does it take to walk through Rehavia?

A typical neighborhood stroll through Rehavia takes between 90 and 120 minutes. This allows for time to stop and admire the architecture at landmarks like Terra Sancta and the Rehavia Windmill.

Is Rehavia safe for solo travelers?

Yes, Rehavia is one of the safest and most prestigious residential neighborhoods in Jerusalem. It is well-lit and frequently patrolled due to the presence of government residences, making it ideal for solo exploration at any time of day.

What is the significance of the architecture in Rehavia?

Rehavia is famous for its concentration of International Style and Bauhaus architecture. These buildings were designed in the 1930s by architects fleeing Europe, who brought modern, functionalist designs to Jerusalem, creating a unique 'white city' aesthetic in stone.

Can I enter the Prime Minister's residence in Rehavia?

No, Beit Aghion (the official residence) is not open to the public for security reasons. However, you can view the exterior architecture of this Richard Kauffmann-designed building from the street.

Are there hills on this walking route?

Compared to the rest of Jerusalem, Rehavia is relatively flat. While there are some gentle inclines, it is considered an easy walk and is much more accessible than the hilly terrain of the Old City or Ein Karem.

What are the must-see landmarks in Rehavia?

Key highlights include the Rehavia Windmill, the historic Yad Levi Eshkol house, the grand Terra Sancta College, and the Great Synagogue. These sites represent the blend of religious, academic, and political history in the area.

Is Rehavia worth visiting?

Absolutely. If you want to see a different side of Jerusalem away from the religious intensity of the Old City, Rehavia offers a peaceful, intellectual atmosphere with beautiful gardens and some of the city's best 20th-century architecture.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step into the quiet, tree-lined streets of Rehavia, a neighborhood that has served as the intellectual and political heart of Jerusalem since the 1920s. On this self-guided walk, you will discover why this area is often referred to as Jerusalem's 'Garden Suburb.' Designed by the renowned architect Richard Kauffmann, Rehavia was modeled after European urban planning principles, creating a sanctuary for German-Jewish academics, statesmen, and thinkers who fled Europe before World War II. As you navigate the neighborhood stroll, you will encounter a stunning array of International Style and Bauhaus architecture, characterized by clean lines and functional beauty, which stands in elegant contrast to the ancient stone of the Old City nearby. This walking route takes you past the residences of former prime ministers and the grand institutions that shaped the modern state. You will explore the history of Azza Street, a bustling artery that blends modern cafe culture with historic significance, and visit the iconic Rehavia Windmill, a silent witness to the neighborhood's pre-urban history. The journey also includes the monumental Terra Sancta College and the Jerusalem Great Synagogue, showcasing the diverse religious and educational tapestry of the area. This neighborhood stroll is perfect for those who want to experience the sophisticated, quieter side of Jerusalem while learning about the scholars and leaders who walked these very same pavements. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast or a history buff, this self-guided adventure offers a deep dive into the secular and spiritual elite of Jerusalem, far from the typical tourist trails.

Highlights

The Bauhaus and International Style villas of the 1930s

Yad Levi Eshkol, the historic residence of Israel's third Prime Minister

The 19th-century Greek Orthodox Windmill of Rehavia

The monumental Italian-designed Terra Sancta College

Beit Aghion, the official residence of the Prime Minister of Israel

The grand Modernist architecture of the Jerusalem Great Synagogue

Tour Stops (6)

Azza Street

Start your self-guided walk on Azza Street, the main pulse of the Rehavia neighborhood. Its name is the Hebrew version of 'Gaza Street,' as it historically sat on the road leading toward the coast. In the early 20th century, this area was nothing but rocky hills outside the city walls. Today, it is a sophisticated hub of bookstores, cafes, and upscale apartments. As you walk, notice the mix of local residents—from university professors to students. This street represents the transition of Rehavia from a secluded garden suburb into a vibrant part of modern Jerusalem life, while still retaining its scholarly charm.

Yad Levi Eshkol

This elegant building served as the official residence of the Prime Minister of Israel from 1950 until 1974. It is named after Levi Eshkol, the third Prime Minister, who lived and passed away here. The house itself is a prime example of the neighborhood's architectural transition, originally built in the 1930s for the Julius Jacobs family. Its clean, functional design reflects the 'International Style' that defined Rehavia's early development. Imagine the high-stakes political meetings that took place within these walls during the formative years of the state, including the planning stages of the Six-Day War.

Rehavia Windmill

Standing as a surprising landmark amidst the residential blocks is the Rehavia Windmill. Built in the 1870s by the Greek Orthodox Church, it predates the neighborhood itself. Originally used to grind flour for the nearby monastery, it eventually lost its sails and was converted into a residence. In the 1930s, it even served as a creative studio for architects. Today, it stands as a unique monument to the agricultural roots of the land before it became an urban intellectual enclave. It is one of the few remaining historic windmills in Jerusalem, alongside the more famous Montefiore Windmill in Yemin Moshe.

The Jerusalem Great Synagogue

Located on King George Street at the edge of Rehavia, this monumental structure was dedicated in 1982. Its design is a bold example of modern religious architecture, intended to serve as a spiritual center for world Jewry. Inside, the sanctuary is adorned with magnificent stained-glass windows and a massive chandelier. The architecture reflects a sense of permanence and grandeur, contrasting with the more modest, residential Bauhaus style of the inner Rehavia streets. It remains a central venue for major state ceremonies and significant religious events in Jerusalem.

Terra Sancta College

Behold the imposing facade of Terra Sancta College, an Italianate masterpiece designed by the famous architect Antonio Barluzzi in the 1920s. With its pink stone and classical statues, it looks like a slice of Rome in the heart of Jerusalem. Originally built as a school, it later served as the temporary home of the Hebrew University after the 1948 war when the Mount Scopus campus became inaccessible. The building has hosted some of Israel's most brilliant minds and remains one of the most photographable and historically significant institutional buildings in the neighborhood.

Beit Aghion

Your neighborhood stroll concludes at Beit Aghion, the official residence of the Prime Minister of Israel since 1974. Designed by Richard Kauffmann in the mid-1930s for a wealthy Jewish-Egyptian family, the house is a landmark of the International Style, featuring horizontal lines and circular balconies. During the 1948 war, it even served as a temporary hospital. Today, it is heavily guarded, but you can still appreciate the architectural elegance from a distance. It stands as a symbol of the neighborhood's status as the seat of power and intellect in the Israeli capital.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided walk focusing on the 'Scholars and Statesmen' theme is the best way to see Rehavia. This route covers approximately 2 kilometers and highlights the neighborhood's unique Bauhaus architecture and its history as the home of Israel's intellectual elite.