Safra Square Visitor Center
Safra Square lends Jerusalem’s City Hall an expansive, modern cosmopolitan feel, owing to its impeccable architecture and sizable open plaza setting. The square is situated at the beginning of Jaffa Road, on the cusp of eastern and western Jerusalem, serving as a symbol of the city’s efforts to serve all its residents equally.
Safra Square is part of the new Municipal Complex project, completed in the 1990’s, that revamped City Hall and integrated it with several existing and new buildings, some from the adjacent Russian Compound. You could say that what ties it all together is the sober, palm-tree-lined expanse of Safra Square. The Municipality makes full use of the square, offering various activities throughout the year including concerts and an annual 3×3 basketball tournament.
Safra Square is also the place where jubilant Jerusalem sports fans flock to en masses to celebrate when one of the city’s soccer or basketball clubs wins a title. The square was built with the help of Jewish philanthropist Edmond Safra and named in honor of his parents, Jacob and Esther.
Tours & Activities
The Jerusalem Municipality Visitor Center offers tours and related-activities on a wide range of topics and welcomes groups of all backgrounds to experience the old and the new of our eternal city.
One of the center’s most fascinating tours is called “Preserving the Past and Developing the Future”. During this tour, you will explore historical buildings in Safra Square; go to “ground zero” at the City Hall; admire a mini 3D model of Jerusalem, where you will see the existing reality alongside new and exciting projects. The tour ends with a beautiful observation point with a spectacular view of the heavenly and earthly Jerusalem.
Good To Know
- Reservations are required.
- The tours are offered in different languages.
- Tours last about 90 minutes.
- There is a minimum fee.
- The tours are accessible to persons with special needs.