Khan al-Shawarda
A beautifully renovated 18th-century inn with a historic central trough, offering local shops and eateries.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Khan al-Shawarda
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautifully renovated 18th-century inn with a historic central trough, offering local shops and eateries.
"The khan has undergone a beautiful architectural renovation, the local merchants and business owners are kind and the prices are ridiculous compared to the center of the country."
🛍️ Shop Smart
Prices are often lower than in the country's center. Enjoy browsing local goods and interacting with friendly merchants.
🚶♂️ Explore the Courtyard
Don't miss the central trough, a historical remnant of the khan's past as a stop for travelers and their animals.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Central Trough
Courtyard center
A historic watering trough for cattle, offering a tangible connection to the khan's past as a bustling inn.
Merchant Arcades
Courtyard perimeter
Wander through arcades lined with local merchants, enjoying a vibrant atmosphere and unique finds.
Architectural Renovation
Entire khan
Admire the beautifully renovated architecture, showcasing the historical charm of this 18th-century inn.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Renovation
Historical Layers
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🛍️ Shop Smart
Prices are often lower than in the country's center. Enjoy browsing local goods and interacting with friendly merchants.
🚶♂️ Explore the Courtyard
Don't miss the central trough, a historical remnant of the khan's past as a stop for travelers and their animals.
📸 Capture the Architecture
The renovated buildings offer great photo opportunities. Visit during quieter times for unobstructed shots.
🍽️ Enjoy Local Eateries
The khan houses various restaurants and cafes, perfect for a meal or a refreshing drink after exploring.
Tips
from all over the internet
🛍️ Shop Smart
Prices are often lower than in the country's center. Enjoy browsing local goods and interacting with friendly merchants.
🚶♂️ Explore the Courtyard
Don't miss the central trough, a historical remnant of the khan's past as a stop for travelers and their animals.
📸 Capture the Architecture
The renovated buildings offer great photo opportunities. Visit during quieter times for unobstructed shots.
🍽️ Enjoy Local Eateries
The khan houses various restaurants and cafes, perfect for a meal or a refreshing drink after exploring.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Khan al-Shawarda is appreciated for its beautifully renovated architecture and the welcoming nature of its local merchants, offering attractive prices. However, some visitors feel it lacks a strong historical preservation and a vibrant tourist atmosphere, especially during quieter periods.
"The khan has undergone a beautiful architectural renovation, the local merchants and business owners are kind and the prices are ridiculous compared to the center of the country. It's sad that there aren't enough visitors/tourists on Saturdays in the summer months."
Nirit Haviv
"Khan al-Shwarda (The Merchants' Khan) was probably built by Dahir al-Umar in the 18th century. The khan consists of a square courtyard surrounded by arcades, and in its center are the remains of a rahat (trough) for watering cattle.
During the British Mandate, the gates in the khan's courtyard were opened from the north and south to facilitate movement. It is believed that the place where the khan was built was a convent of the Soeurs Clarisses during the Crusader period. According to legend, when the Muslims conquered the city, the nuns mutilated themselves by cutting off their apses, so as not to fall into the hands of the conquerors (Mondrill recounts this in 1697)."
ש. א. הדרכות
"A beautiful inn from the days of Dahr al-Omar with a large trough in its center. Inside the inn are a variety of restaurants and cafes."
Peter Kechker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Khan al-Shawarda is located on the way to the fishing port. Specific public transport details are scarce, but it's accessible by car or taxi.
Information on dedicated parking is limited, but street parking may be available in the vicinity. It's advisable to check local conditions upon arrival.
The khan has undergone renovation, which likely improved accessibility. However, some historical sites can have uneven surfaces. It's best to inquire locally for specific details.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Khan al-Shawarda itself is generally free, as it functions as a marketplace and historical site.
As a marketplace, most shops and cafes operate during standard business hours. It's advisable to visit during the day to experience the full atmosphere.
Typically, there are no separate entrance fees for the courtyard or the central trough. Costs would be associated with any purchases made from merchants or dining at cafes.
Yes, you can visit on weekends, though some reviews suggest summer Saturdays can be quieter than expected.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the renovated architecture, see the historic central trough, shop from local merchants, and dine at the cafes and restaurants.
Yes, the renovated architecture and the historical elements like the trough make it a picturesque location for photography.
Built in the 18th century, it served as an inn for travelers and merchants. It's believed to have been built on the site of a Crusader convent.
Information on official guided tours is limited. You can explore independently or perhaps arrange a local guide if available.
It's described as a place with local merchants and business owners who are kind. While renovated, some visitors feel it lacks a strong tourist atmosphere.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The khan features a variety of restaurants and cafes, offering local cuisine and refreshments.
Yes, reviews suggest prices are quite reasonable compared to other parts of the country, making it a good option for budget travelers.
Absolutely, the cafes within the khan are ideal spots to enjoy coffee or tea while soaking in the atmosphere.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
Intriguingly, historical accounts suggest the khan might occupy the site of a former convent belonging to the Soeurs Clarisses during the Crusader period. Legends speak of the nuns mutilating themselves to avoid capture during the Muslim conquest, a tale recounted by Mondrill in 1697. During the British Mandate, the khan's gates were opened to facilitate movement, further integrating it into the urban fabric.
While the khan has undergone a beautiful architectural renovation, some visitors express a desire for greater historical and cultural preservation, noting a perceived lack of a strong tourist atmosphere and limited access to certain historically significant areas. Despite these sentiments, the khan remains a place where one can connect with the past through its enduring structure and the echoes of its former life as a bustling hub.
The Merchant Experience
The arcades surrounding the central courtyard are lined with these shops, offering a pleasant environment for browsing. While the khan is described as a place to eat and shop on the way to the fishing port, the experience of interacting with the merchants is a key part of its charm. Despite some reviews mentioning a lack of a strong tourist buzz, particularly on summer Saturdays, the genuine interactions and fair prices are consistently highlighted as positive aspects.
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