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.
St. Peter's Church' fasssade
The Bible tells us that Saint Peter stayed at the House of Simon the Tanner in Joppa (Jaffa), and he had a vision of a large sheet held at its four corners and lowered from heaven. In the sheet were kosher and non-kosher animals, reptiles, and birds. He heard a voice saying “Get up Peter, kill and eat.” Peter protested saying he would not eat non-kosher animals, but a second, and third time the vision appeared, and the voice said “What God made clean, you must not call profane”. (Acts 11:1-8) This vision has been interpreted as meaning that the gospel should be spread to Jews and Gentiles alike and that kosher rules should no longer apply.
According to Acts of the Apostles, it was also in Jaffa that Saint Peter raised a faithful disciple, Tabitha from the dead. Jaffa has another biblical connection, it was from here that Jonah set sail for Tarshish
Saint Peter was a Jewish fisherman from the city of Tiberias on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. His original name was Shimon bar Yona. He became the most senior of the 12 apostles and is considered the first pope. The Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican is named after him. Pro Tip: Spot the large rock at the top of the church facade that supports a bronze cross. The rock was brought from Caesarea-Philippi (today’s Bania’s in Galilee). It was in the Roman city of Caesarea-Philippi that Jesus gave Peter his name, “Cephas” which means “Petros” or Peter in Greek (John 1:42). The rock on the St. Peter’s Church facade symbolizes Peter’s solid faith in Jesus.
The large church interior was designed in the Baroque style, with a long nave, vaulted ceiling, and thick columns. Oil paintings on the walls depict the Stations of the Cross and St. George fighting the dragon. Above the altar is a painting of Peter’s vision. The pulpit is beautifully carved to resemble a tree. Pro Tip: If you arrive and the door is locked, ring the bell on the right side of the door, and someone will come and open up for you.
The church facade stands out from other structures in Jaffa with its distinct resemblance to Spanish churches in Latin America. The Spanish sponsored the construction we see today and so the architecture shows a little Spanish flare. Pro Tip: Notice that the church faces west towards the sea, unlike other churches that traditionally face east. This is linked to Peter’s vision that appeared from the sea. In the monastery courtyard is a statue of Louis IX of France, who was sanctified in the Christian tradition for his part in the Crusades.
St. Peter's Church in Jaffa is one of the city's favorite spots among visitors
Pro Tip: Next to the sacristy are the remains of two rooms from the original Crusader citadel where Napoleon spent the night, as well as the remains of the citadel tower. Also, in the basement of the Citadel Tower is a round stone chapel.
There are four panels of stained glass in the church; they were designed and created by Franz Xaver Zettler in Munich. Each of the panels depicts scenes from Saint Peter’s life - the washing of Jesus’ feet at the Last Supper; the transfiguration of Jesus; the giving of the keys, and the miraculous catching of fish. Other windows in the church show Tabitha, the woman Peter brought back to life in Jaffa; Francis of Assisi, and the immaculate conception. Other stained glass windows depict Spanish saints, as the Spanish Empire funded the latest version of the church.
The church bell tower overlooks the old port of Jaffa and the Mediterranean Sea. For many years the tower was a beacon for ships coming into port, and the first thing pilgrims would see as they approached the Holy Land.
Pro Tip: If you don't want to miss any of this place's splendor, you can always take a private tour in Tel Aviv and see more of Jaffa and its surroundings.
Join Us
Keep in Touch
Login / Register
Contact Us
Show On Map
Certificate of Excellence
Guaranteed Departure
Low Prices Guaranteed
24/7 Support
