In the ancient port city of Jaffa, which is now a joint municipality with adjacent Tel Aviv, stands the Church of Saint Peter and monastery. It was built at the highest point of Jaffa overlooking the old port. Jaffa is one of the oldest port cities in the world, with a rich and colorful history. The church played a significant role in Jaffa’s history and welcomed pilgrims for hundreds of years. Originally a Byzantine church stood here, but it burned down and many years later a Crusader citadel was built on the church's remains. When the citadel was destroyed, it was replaced by a church in 1654, and the Ottoman rulers allowed Franciscans to settle here and operate a hostel for visiting pilgrims.
St. Peter's Church in Jaffa
Later the church was restored with the help of funding from French King Louis IX. In the 18th century, it was destroyed and rebuilt twice. The current structure was built in 1894 and renovated in 1903. Since then it has been destroyed and rebuilt twice, The church we see today dates back to 1894, although it was given a facelift in 1903. St. Peter’s Church was the primary Catholic church in Jaffa until St. Anthony’s Church was built in 1932. Today the church is mainly used by foreign workers living in the city. Pro Tip: A room at the church once hosted Napoleon when he conquered Jaffa in 1799.
Peter was one of the 12 apostles and is considered the first pope. He is known to have made Christianity accessible to all and to a large extent for spreading it throughout the world. The church was built in Jaffa to commemorate several deeds performed by St. Peter the Apostle in Jaffa.
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