How long does it take to walk through Mea Shearim?

The typical neighborhood stroll takes about 60 to 90 minutes. This includes time to observe the architecture of Batei Ungarin and the unique social atmosphere of Kikar HaShabbat.

What should I wear for a walk in Mea Shearim?

Modesty is essential. Women should wear skirts that cover the knees and tops with long sleeves and high necklines; men should wear long trousers and avoid sleeveless shirts.

Can I take photos in Mea Shearim?

While you can photograph the historic architecture, you should strictly avoid taking photos of the residents. On the Sabbath (Friday sunset to Saturday sunset), all photography and use of electronic devices is prohibited.

Is Mea Shearim safe for tourists?

Yes, it is generally safe for independent travelers as long as the local dress code and customs are respected. It is a residential area focused on religious life, so maintaining a quiet and respectful demeanor is key.

Is Mea Shearim accessible on Saturdays?

The neighborhood is closed to all vehicle traffic on Saturdays (Shabbat). While you can walk through, it is highly recommended that visitors stay away during this time to respect the community's holy day and avoid accidental friction.

What language is spoken in Mea Shearim?

While Hebrew is the official language of Israel, many residents of Mea Shearim speak Yiddish as their primary everyday language, reserving Hebrew for prayer and holy study.

What are the highlights of this Jerusalem walking route?

Key landmarks include the vibrant Mahaneh Yehudah Market, the historic Batei Ungarin courtyard, the active Shtiblach prayer halls, and the architectural contrast of the Italian Hospital.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step into a world that feels as though it has been preserved in amber. This self-guided walk through Jerusalem’s Mea Shearim neighborhood offers a rare glimpse into the life and traditions of the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community. Established in 1874 as the fifth neighborhood built outside the Old City walls, Mea Shearim—meaning 'A Hundred Gates'—was designed for security and seclusion, features that define its unique character to this day. Your walking route begins at the vibrant Mahaneh Yehudah Market, where the modern and traditional flavors of Jerusalem collide. From there, you will cross into a district where the sounds of Hebrew and Yiddish fill the air and the architecture recalls the shtetls of 19th-century Eastern Europe. As you explore independently, you will see the famous pashkevilim—the hand-printed posters that serve as the community’s news source and moral compass. This neighborhood stroll takes you through Kikar HaShabbat, the spiritual and political heart of the district, and past the 'Shtiblach,' where prayer never stops. You will also discover the unique courtyard architecture of Batei Ungarin, one of the most picturesque corners of the area. This route is not just about seeing historic buildings; it is about witnessing a living, breathing culture that prioritizes faith and community above the fast-paced modern world. The walk concludes at the striking Italian Hospital building, a surprising architectural contrast that marks the edge of this secluded world. Please remember to dress modestly—shoulders and knees covered for all—and respect the local custom of avoiding photography of residents to ensure a peaceful and immersive experience during your self-guided adventure.

Highlights

The bustling atmosphere of Mahaneh Yehudah Market

Historic 19th-century courtyard architecture in Batei Ungarin

Kikar HaShabbat, the social and political heart of the neighborhood

Traditional pashkevilim (wall posters) serving as local news

The constant hum of prayer at the Mea Shearim Shtiblach

The stunning Renaissance-style architecture of the Italian Hospital

Tour Stops (6)

Mahaneh Yehudah Market

Start your self-guided walk at the sensory heart of Jerusalem. Mahaneh Yehudah, often called the 'Shuk,' has evolved from a 19th-century empty lot into a bustling marketplace. As you walk through, notice the transition from the modern city into this historic space. The market serves as a bridge between the various cultures of Jerusalem. While it is famous for its produce, spices, and halva, it also marks the boundary before you enter the more secluded religious neighborhoods. Take a moment to soak in the energy here before the atmosphere shifts significantly as you head toward Mea Shearim.

Mea She'arim Entrance

As you enter Mea Shearim, you are stepping back into 1874. This was one of the first neighborhoods built outside the Old City walls, designed as a 'courtyard neighborhood' for safety. The name 'Mea Shearim' translates to 'a hundred gates' or 'a hundredfold,' referencing a verse from Genesis. Look at the walls and you will see 'pashkevilim'—black and white posters. In a community that largely eschews the internet and television, these posters are the primary way to communicate news, deaths, and rabbinical decrees. The quiet, narrow streets here are designed to keep the modern world at a distance.

Kikar HaShabbat (Sabbath Square)

You are now at Kikar HaShabbat, the intersection of Yehezkel and Mea Shearim streets. This is the pulse of the neighborhood. While it looks like a standard busy intersection, it is the site of many community gatherings and demonstrations. On the Sabbath, this area is completely closed to vehicle traffic, becoming a sea of white and black as residents walk to prayer. The buildings surrounding the square house various 'yeshivas' or religious schools. It is a place where the social and spiritual life of the community converges, standing as a symbol of their autonomy and dedication to tradition.

Shtiblach Mea Shearim

The word 'Shtiblach' is Yiddish for 'small rooms.' Unlike a grand central synagogue, this building contains many small rooms where prayer services, or 'minyanim,' begin every few minutes. It is a 24-hour hub of spiritual activity. You will notice men moving in and out quickly; the pace of prayer here is constant. This reflects the community's commitment to the 'eternal flame' of Jewish law. While the interiors are private, the exterior bustle tells the story of a life governed by a strict schedule of ancient rituals and communal responsibility.

Batei Ungarin

Batei Ungarin, or the 'Hungarian Houses,' is perhaps the most photogenic part of the neighborhood, though residents prefer you don't take photos of them. Built in the late 19th century with funds from Hungarian Jews, the architecture features beautiful stone arches, external staircases, and interconnected balconies. This design was practical, allowing for high-density living while maintaining a sense of community. The narrow alleys and hanging laundry create an atmosphere reminiscent of an Eastern European village. It is a testament to the 'Kolel' system, where Diaspora communities supported those living and studying in the Holy Land.

Italian Hospital

Your neighborhood stroll concludes at a building that looks like it was plucked straight from Florence. The Italian Hospital, designed by Antonio Barluzzi and completed in 1919, features distinct Gothic and Renaissance elements, including a bell tower that mimics the Palazzo Vecchio. Today it houses the Israeli Ministry of Education, but its presence here is a reminder of the international 'competition' for influence in Jerusalem during the late Ottoman and British Mandate periods. It stands as a striking architectural bookend to the traditional stone dwellings of Mea Shearim just a few steps away.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided walk is often the best way to see Mea Shearim as it allows for a quiet, respectful pace. This route covers approximately 1.5 kilometers and highlights the transition from the modern Mahaneh Yehudah market to the historic 19th-century courtyards.