Ramla: History, Architecture and Markets

Explore Ramla from different perspectives through its historic buildings, city museum and market traditions.

Architectural history in Ramla

The White Tower complex is located in the center of Ramla’s Old City and comprises four historic sites. The tower was built by order of the Mamluk Sultan Muhammad Ibn Khalhoun and completed in 1318. At 30 meters tall, it offers panoramic views from the Mediterranean Sea in the west, including Tel Aviv, to the foothills of the Judean Mountains and Samaria in the east.

The White Mosque was first built in the 8th century. The remains that survive today date from a renovation 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 is a largely intact Crusader-era building: it was originally built as a Christian church in the 12th century.

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

Water cisterns and the city museum

The Pool of Arches was built in 789 CE as an underground water cistern. Adults and children can take rowboats there to explore the historic underground space. The pool is considered the most significant surviving structure from the time of the Abbasid caliphs in the Land of Israel. Its original function and today’s boating experience offer two distinct historical and practical perspectives on the site.

The Ramla Museum opened in 2001 in a historic building constructed in 1922, which served as Ramla’s municipal offices during the British Mandate period. The permanent exhibition covers the city’s history in six rooms, from its founding in the 8th century to the present day. Topics include everyday life, trade and art, as well as the city’s multicultural population. The museum therefore focuses on the city’s development, while its buildings illustrate different historical periods.

The Lod Mosaic

In Lod, the Lod Mosaic served as the floor of the reception hall of a villa in a wealthy neighborhood during the Roman and Byzantine periods. Its visitor center is in northeastern Lod, near the Givaton interchange. It is easily accessible from Ben Gurion Airport and via Highways 1 and 6. Alongside Ramla’s buildings, the history of this mosaic is another specific cultural and historical topic in the region.

Market traditions and crafts

The Wednesday market began in Ramla and Lod and later spread to other parts of Israel. A handicrafts market is also held once a month in Ramla’s 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. Plan your visit around this monthly date and check the specific date before traveling.

Ramla’s bazaar offers a wide selection of produce and spices, as well as fresh lemonade. Individual stalls and offerings may change; if you are looking for specific products, check their availability on site.

Find the right hotel in Ramla

First, consider which places and dates matter for your stay. When comparing specific hotel offers, check the listed address against your plans so your choice suits your priorities.

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

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