Ancient hilltop city in Upper Galilee with deep roots in Jewish mysticism. Known for art galleries, Kabbalistic studies, and 16th-century synagogues amid stone-paved alleys.
Set 937 meters above sea level in northern Israel, Safed invites you to explore its stone-paved alleys. You can step into the 16th-century Abuhav Synagogue to see its 15th-century Torah scrolls, watch artists create metalwork in their open studios, or learn about daily Jewish life at the Beit Hameiri museum. The city became a center of Jewish mysticism in the 16th century and transformed into Israel's primary art hub during the 1950s.
Medieval Quarter Streets and Architecture
Stone-paved streets wind between buildings dating from the 1500s and 1600s in Safed's central district. Many doors and windows are painted blue - a color that residents traditionally used to represent the sky. As you walk these passages, you'll find small courtyards with benches where you can rest and look out toward the Galilee mountains and Mount Meron.
Artists' Studios and Galleries
The former Arab quarter has grown into Safed's art district since the 1950s. You'll find over 50 artists in their studios creating and selling paintings, religious items, metalwork, and jewelry. Visit the Glitzenstein Art Museum to see eight paintings by Mane Katz, or stop by the open workshops between 10 AM and 5 PM to watch artists at work.
16th Century Synagogues
Four synagogues from the 1500s stand in Safed's historic center. Inside the Abuhav Synagogue, you can see a Torah scroll from the 1400s, which the congregation reads only during three major holidays: Yom Kippur, Shavuot and Rosh Hashanah. The Ari Ashkenazi Synagogue withstood the 1837 earthquake. The Yosef Caro Synagogue honors the writer of the Shulchan Aruch, while the Alsheich Synagogue preserves its original stone walls and arched windows from the 16th century.
Museums and Historical Sites
At the Beit Hameiri museum, housed in a 400-year-old building, you can examine artifacts, photographs, and documents from 200 years of Jewish life in Safed. The Museum of the Art of Printing displays Asia's first Hebrew printing press from 1577. In the Doll Museum, you'll find miniature scenes showing daily activities in 19th-century Safed through detailed dioramas.
Food Markets and Restaurants
Throughout the medieval quarter, you can eat at small restaurants and food stalls. Try Yemenite pancakes sold at street corners for 15 shekels, or sample fresh pastries from family-run bakeries. The HaMeiri dairy, which opened in 1840, still makes sheep and goat milk cheeses using traditional methods. Their shop sells fresh cheese daily from 8 AM to 6 PM.
