Safed Old City, Heritage site in Northern Israel.
Safed Old City spreads across hilltops at roughly 900 meters (3000 feet) elevation and consists of whitewashed stone buildings connected by narrow cobblestone lanes. The quarter features a dense network of pedestrian paths linking art galleries, traditional craft workshops, and places of worship throughout the old district.
The city rose to prominence in the 16th century when Jewish scholars settled here and established a major center for mystical learning. This period shaped the spiritual and cultural character that the old quarter preserves to this day.
The settlement contains multiple synagogues, including the Ari Ashkenazi Synagogue, where visitors can feel the deep spiritual connection to Jewish mysticism that shaped the community. These religious spaces remain active centers for prayer and learning today.
The area is best explored on foot, as most sections are pedestrian-friendly and cars cannot easily navigate the lanes. Wear comfortable shoes since the pathways are hilly and paved with uneven cobblestones.
The quarter once housed the Middle East's first printing press, which produced Israel's first Hebrew book in 1578. This overlooked detail marks Safed as an early hub for spreading knowledge across the region.
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