Jaffa Old City

"As one of the oldest port cities in the world, Jaffa is said to be named after Jaffeth, son of Noah (yes, the one who built the arc). Throughout most of history it was the main port of entry into this land, and was mentioned in the bible when Solomon had some cedar trees from the Lebanon shipped over to build the first Temple, and when prophet Jonah attempted to escape God’s will by boat. Pilgrims making the journey by sea would have had to come through here, and catch a carriage leaving for Jerusalem from this very spot. For this reason, whenever along history Jerusalem was enjoying a golden age – Jaffa would flourish. Whenever Jerusalem was forgotten – Jaffa would sink into a slump."