The picturesque town of Zichron Yaakov was founded in 1882 with the help of Baron Edmond de Rothschild. He was a Jewish philanthropist who had assisted in establishing many of the early communities, often helping with financial support.
Zichron Yaakov is situated about a half-hour drive from Haifa and 15 minutes from Caesarea. It is located at the southern end of the Carmel mountain range overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Local visitors and tourists from abroad are drawn to the quaint pedestrian mall in the center of the town with its many lovely small stores, offering local art and souvenirs and an array of quaint restaurants and coffee shops, all adding to the unique special atmosphere. In addition, there are art galleries and artists workshops to explore. There is a part of the street paved with cobblestones and lit by gaslight, and on either side, the visitor can see the buildings with red shingles roofs dating back to the 19th century.
Some museums are housed in two of the original buildings. One is Beit Aharonson which is devoted to the Nili underground resistance organization. This spy ring was pro-British and operated during the First World War in what was then Turkish-controlled Palestine. This organization was under the leadership of Aaron Aharonson and his sister Sarah Aharonson who was acclaimed worldwide as an agronomist. The Aharonson family was part of the early settlement of the area. Another museum is dedicated to the first wave of immigration to Israel (First Aliyah).
The early farmers of Zichron Yaakov cultivated vineyards, and today wine has become one of the area’s biggest industries. The winery has a visitor’s center that offers visitors free guided tours.
There are other interesting places to see around the Zichron Yaakov area. Visit the tombs of Baron de Rothschild and his wife, which are situated in the beautifully maintained Ramat Hanadiv Gardens. Close to these gardens is a nature reserve with striking coastline views. An exciting place to visit in the same area, especially for families, is Kfar HaNokdim, which features past activities like camel rides and Bedouin hospitality.
