One of the most popular neighbor-hoods in Jerusalem, the German Colony (Emek Refaim) is a bustling area that offers serene little residential streets alongside a wide variety of cafés, restaurants and attractions

The German Colony neighborhood features a fine mix between old and new Jerusalem. Originally established in the late 19th century by Templar settlers who escaped religious persecution in Germany, the structure of the neighborhood was originally designed to imitate a typical German village. WWII brought an end to the German settlement here and the inhabitants were soon exiled to Australia by the British. The neighborhood has retained its rustic charm and though it is officially name Emek Refaim, locals still refer to it as the German Colony.

Apart from the area’s lovely architecture and serene atmosphere, the German Colony is also home to a wide selection of shops and restaurants (many of which are kosher restaurants catering to the growing community of religious immigrants) that dot Emek Refaim Street, to a Farmer’s Market that takes place every Friday and to the appealing Lev Smadar Cinema. Smadar Cinema, a small cinema located of Lloyd George Street, screens a small selection of interesting foreign films and has a very pleasant café-bar where many of the neighborhoods inhabitants meet up. This is the only cinema in Israel where you can stroll in with your half finished beer, wine or coffee. Additionally, visitors will find the famous Jerusalem Cinematheque located nearby and the somewhat outdated Nature Museum.

In short:
A lovely little neighborhood for strolling, doing a bit of shopping and having a little bite to eat before or after watching a film in one of Israel’s most charming cinemas