THE GERMAN COLONY IN JERUSALEM---Off the beaten path

The German Colony (Moshava Germanit) founded in 1873 by German Templers who had broken with the Protestant church believing they needed to be in the “Holy Land” to wait for the Messiah and salvation. They settled in Northern Israel at first and then in Jerusalem. Their homes bring their own distinctive style with German influence (see pictures below) while facing them with Jerusalem stone to blend with the environment. German design and architectural interest is visible throughout the area. The area is in a period of gentrification with upscale restaurants and boutiques but still carries the flavor of the “old city”. There are many American émigrés in the city and everywhere English is spoken with an American accent.
The neighborhood is bisected by Rechov Emek Refaim mentioned in the Tanach in both the second book of Samuel and Joshua.
The land was purchased from the Arabs of Bet Safafa by Mathaus Frank, one of the earliest Templar settlers. During WWII the British deported them to Australia because of their outspoken support for the Nazi cause.
The German Colony is centrally located in Jerusalem and borders The Jerusalem Theatre, The Islamic Museum of Modern Art, The Shalom Hartman Center and many parks.