Nahlaot

Nahlaot is a picturesque cluster of old neighborhoods in Jerusalem that give a glimpse into the day-to-day lives of Jerusalemites a hundred years ago.


Nachlaot houses


These were some of the earliest neighborhoods in Jerusalem to be established outside the Old City walls. The first one – Even Yisrael – went up in 1875; the last one – Zichron Yakov – was built in 1931. This cluster of 32 neighborhoods became known collectively as "the Homesteads" in Hebrew; the word nachlaot being the plural of nachala – homestead. (The first neighborhood built outside the city walls was Mishkenot Shaananim in 1860.)

house in Nahlaot, Jerusalem

In the late 19th century, bandits and highwaymen plagued the land and living outside the city walls was quite dangerous. For this reason, most of the new "neighborhoods" consisted of one or two story buildings built in a square surrounding a central courtyard.

There would be a well in the center of the courtyard, and one entrance that would be locked at nightfall. There were few windows on the walls that faced out and these were very small, to prevent intruders, and barricaded at night. The apartments were tiny – one or two rooms – and in some neighborhoods were subsidized by charity funds.

Several of the neighborhoods – Mazkeret Moshe, Ohel Moshe – are named after Sir Moses Montefiore, who built founded them.

Life in the courtyards was very colorful, however – and still is. While gentrification is slowly taking over the area, you can still wander the tiny alleys and see people living much as they did 100 years ago: laundry hanging out to dry, children playing in the courtyards around the now-stoppered wells.

The residents here are some of the most varied in Jerusalem.  There are elderly people whose ancestors helped build the neighborhood.  There are university students who love the cool factor of this place, wealthy couples who renovate the historic homes to luxurious heights, young families from abroad, who like the warm community feel as well as the proximity to the Mahane Yeduah - the cheapest food shopping in the city.

These are the streets of mystics and artists – stroll around and you’ll also find lots of unexpected synagogues, eclectic little shops and even a stained glass workshop. With a little imagination, you can easily picture Jerusalem of yesteryear.

Walking Tours of Nahlaot

To get the most out of a visit to one of Jerusalem's most picturesque corners, consider a guided walking tour

It will make the area come alive with the history and colorful legends of the people who lived - still live - in this island of the past.

If you've got a group of people, check out IsraelScaventure's amazing scavenger hunts -- one our most favorite Jerusalem activities.  It's hands-down one of the most educational and fun ways to visit this neighborhood!


> > Nahlaot

> > Nahlaot


Don't Miss What's New in Jerusalem!

Stay up-to-date with all that's new in Jerusalem and on this site. Subscribe to the RSS feed at the top of the navigation bar over on the left and you won't miss a thing.

And sign up for our free monthly newsletter to stay abreast of what's going on, as well as new discoveries, seasonal events, cool Jerusalem tours and exciting activities.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter


Learn Hebrew online
Israel Scaventures

Scavenger Hunts

painting of girl photographer on a Nahlaot wall

Jerusalem Photography Walks

Our Sponsorship Policy


"As we had limited time in Jerusalem, I purchased your mini guide book and found it very informative. Thanks!" - Brian, S. Africa


Click here for the top 5 discount hotels in Jerusalem.


book Jerusalem tours online

Save on your hotel - www.hotelscombined.com


Jerusalem Video
6-min virtual tour


prayer in Western Wall in Jerusalem