Discover Ramla: Arches, Towers and History

Ramla reveals traces of different eras: an underground water reservoir from the 8th century, buildings from the Crusader and Mamluk periods, and a museum dedicated to the city’s history. This variety offers a good starting point for planning your trip: consider whether you want to focus mainly on architecture, urban history or markets.

Towers, Mosques and Architectural History

In the heart of old Ramla, the White Tower complex comprises four historic sites. The tower was built by order of the Mamluk Sultan Muhammad Ibn Khalhoun and completed in 1318. It is 30 meters high; from there, panoramic views stretch from the Mediterranean in the west, including Tel Aviv, to the foothills of the Judean Mountains and Samaria in the east.

The White Mosque also tells the story of several construction phases: it was first built in the 8th century. The remains visible today date from renovations ordered by Sultan Saladin at the end of the 12th century, as well as from the Mamluk period in the 13th and 14th centuries. The Great Mosque of Ramla reflects a different historical context: this largely intact Crusader building was constructed as a Christian church in the 12th century.

The Franciscan Monastery of St. Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea houses sculptures of Nicodemus and Joseph, as well as Titian’s painting “The Deposition from the Cross.” The monastery was built in 1396 and served pilgrims traveling from Jaffa to Jerusalem. The Old City is also home to the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George, which was probably established in the 9th century by order of the Byzantine Empress Irene.

Underground Water Reservoir and City History

The Pool of Arches was built in 789 AD as an underground water reservoir. Today, adults and children can explore this historic space by rowboat. Its former function as a water reservoir and the chance to row through the underground pool make it a special stop for anyone who wants to experience architectural history from the inside, not just admire it from outside.

The Ramla Museum opened in 2001 in a historic building dating from 1922. During the British Mandate, the building served as the municipal offices. The permanent exhibition spans six rooms and traces the city’s history from its founding in the 8th century AD to the present day, exploring daily life, trade, art and its multicultural population. This lets you complement the city’s historic buildings with insights into life and commerce.

Markets and Local Crafts

Ramla’s bazaar offers a wide selection of produce, spices and fresh lemonade. The offerings at individual stalls may vary. The market in Ramla is listed as open every day of the week except Shabbat; check locally before your visit to confirm access.

A handicrafts market is held once a month in the Old City on the first Shabbat of each Gregorian month, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Artisans display and sell their work there. Check the dates before traveling. The Wednesday market tradition began in Ramla and Lod and later spread to other parts of Israel; its current format may vary.

Ramla and Lod: Different Points of Interest

Lod also has a notable historic attraction: in Roman and Byzantine times, the Lod Mosaic served as the floor of the reception hall in a villa in an affluent neighborhood. The visitor center is in northeastern Lod, near the Givaton Interchange, and is easily accessible from Ben Gurion Airport and via Highways 1 and 6.

If you want to focus on Ramla’s Old City, buildings and markets when looking for a vacation rental, Ramla may be the right destination for you. If the mosaic is of particular interest, include Lod as a separate destination in your plans.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Mishmar HaShiv'a, Rehovot, Ramla, HaSharon.

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