The German Colony connects between rich history and contemporary modern culture
In recent years the German Colony has been renovated, and currently the historic German Templers’ structures serve the tourists staying or visiting the colony.
From a messianic vision to an area of entertainment
The German Colony neighborhood is located in the western side of Downtown Haifa. It was established in 1868 by Germans, members of the Templers sect, who believed that their settling in Eretz Israel will bring Jesus’ return, and hence the road to the world redemption will be short. They settled in the city of Haifa, since they rightfully identified in it a great potential, mainly thanks to the anchorage that was being built at the time, enabling to bring materials from Europe to build the German Colony.
Upon the commencement of the Second World War, the Templers were transferred to quarantine camps. Later on they were expelled from the country leaving behind them their homes, which turned into a deserted industry area. Despite several initiatives, until the beginning of the 90’s the neighborhood remained neglected. Currently the German Colony is considered an entertainment and tourism center, attracting the city residents as well as its visitors.
Classical Europe in Haifa
The old stone houses which were preserved currently serve as cafes, restaurants, galleries and souvenir shops attracting many swingers from the city and elsewhere. The central axis of the German Colony, Ben-Gurion Avenue, crosses it lengthwise, and at the end is located the bottom entrance to the Bahá’í Gardens in Haifa. The boost in tourism which came upon the renovation of the German Colony also led to the erection of unique boutique hotels in the old buildings. These, together with the many businesses in the area have turned the entire neighborhood into a touristic center with a sense of a picturesque European town in the heart of Haifa’s Downtown.
History and shopping in one place
Spending time in the German Colony allows you to enjoy in one breath a tour into history along with the pleasures the modern world is offering. In the building of the Templers’ communal hall and the Templers’ school in the colony currently resides the Haifa Municipal Museum, inaugurated in the year 2000. The museum offers temporary exhibitions engaging in the history of the city in many fields, starting with architecture, through art and ending with current events since then to date.
During holidays and vacations dramatized tours are held in the colony, revealing to the participating people the history of the colony as of the beginning of its construction. The colors, costumes and accent, integrate into a sensory experience, exposing the German Colony from a different and refreshing angle. Alongside the history, you may enjoy shopping at the City Center Mall, located also in an impressive Templers’ building, including dozens of shops. It is a brand outlet mall of the leading chains in the country, where you can find the best Israeli and international brands in particularly attractive prices. Also in the Colony main street itself, and the streets nearby, you may enjoy souvenir shops, galleries and more.
Travelling in Time
During the renovation of the German Colony, the streets were narrowed and the sidewalks were widened, hence arriving at the Colony by public transportation is most recommended. A short, quick and comfortable ride in the Carmelit to its last station, Paris Square Station, will bring you close to the Colony, at a distance of only a 10 minute walk. An additional yet no less attractive option will be to get off at Ha’Nevi’im Station. Though this station is a little more distant from the Colony, a stroll through Wadi Nisnas and Beit HaGefen Avenue, which offer a cultural experience integrating the various religions in the city, constitutes an additional touristic attraction on your way to your destination.
It does not matter in which station you choose to get off, you will be able to enjoy the many advantages the ride in the Carmelit offers. Less than 8 minutes to your destination, without standing in traffic jams, without unnecessary road complications, with not hazards on the road or search for parking, and more.