The Old City of Be'ersheva and its museums and Be'ersheva River Park
The Old City of Be'ersheva was built over 100 years ago during the Ottoman period. In recent years the municipality has developed a multi-year plan for its development and renovation, with the intention that it will become a focus for recreation, entertainment and culture.
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Beersheba is one of the fastest-growing cities in Israel and is its eighth most populous city. It is home to the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and Seroka Medical Center and has developed a reputation for high-tech.
Beersheba has a rich history due to its location along ancient trade routes and was an important hub for trade and commerce. Human settlement dates from the Chalcolithic period between 5,000 to 6,000 years ago. Tel Be’er Sheva, now an archeological site some 4 Km from the modern city, was the town of Beersheba during the Israelite monarchal period.
Beersheba is mentioned in the Bible as being associated with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. It lost its importance during the Muslim period. However, during the Ottoman period it served as an administrative center for the Bedouin and had a military garrison. Until World War I it was a mainly Arab city. It was allocated to the Arabs by the United Nations Partition Plan, but was conquered by the IDF. Following Israel’s War of Independence, the city experienced a population boom and thousands of Jewish immigrants moved here, many of whom had been displaced from Arab countries.
Beersheva's Old City
Keren Kayemet Pedestrian Mall was the main street during the Ottoman period. At 20 meter wide it was built to be the widest street in the Old City. It continues to function as an important street for commerce. On Friday it hosts an open-air street market.
Keren Kayemet St in the heart of the Old City
Camera Museum or Tsalmaniyah
The camera museum in Be’ersheva is called Tsalmaniyah-Photography Museum, and is also referred to as the Tzalmania Camera Museum and Photography Center. It was built inside a restored two-story British Mandate-era building that once served as a school and then as the Civil Guard headquarters. It has a permanent exhibition of cameras. There are archival photographs from the Ottoman period when Be’ersheva was but a few buildings, and a gallery for contemporary photo exhibitions. There is a small but nice, quiet enclosed garden with tables.
Directions: Enter “מצלמות “ and click on “63 האבות באר שבע מצלמות “ in Waze. For public transport click on “Ha-Avot Street, Be’er Sheva צלמנייה “ on Moovit. Admission is 29 NIS for adults, 24 NIS for residents of the city, seniors 20 NIS, and children 18 NIS.
Photograph by Ram Gill (1977-2022)
General view of the city to the south west from 1906. Photo taken from the minaret.
The Negev Artist House
A few doors down from the Tzalmaniyah is The Negev Artist House, located in a grand Mandate-era villa from 1933 that was previously the home of German immigrant, Dr. Reuben (Ricard) Meier, the first Jewish doctor in Beer-Sheva. It is now a four-room gallery featuring rotating works by artists from the Negev in assorted media, such as painting, photography, and embroidery. Works can be purchased. In the backyard is a delightful garden with trees and sculptures. There is a small admission charge. Hours are Friday 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Closed Sunday. Monday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Directions: Enter “Negev Artist House” into Waze and click on “Negev Artist House, Ha-Avot Street, Be’er Sheva. Public transport: Enter “Negev Artist House” into Moovit.
A walk along Be’ersheva River Park
It is possible to walk above the bank of the Be’ersheva River in the Be’ersheva River Park.
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A good place to start is by the Pipes Bridge. The Imber Promenade starts from here. It is a I-km promenade that provides nice views over the stream. When you come to the main road, Naphtali Herz Imber Avenue, turn back.
The Pipes Bridge crosses the riverbed channel and conducts potable water from the Mekorot Water Co to the city of Beersheba. It is used by pedestrians and bicycles. At night there is colorful lighting on the bridge.
At this point you can either walk under the bridge to the Abraham’s Well Visitor Center or cross over the Pipes Bridge to Bell Park. There are picnic benches and r est rooms here.
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From this park, you can continue along the bank of the river to the Turkish Bridge.
This bridge was built during the Ottoman period in the early 20th century during the First World War and is considered an historic symbol of the city.
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From here you can continue on the Be’ersheva Ring Trail. You will pass green public areas, playgrounds, an amphitheater, Sporteque, and a man-made lake.
The Imber Promenade
The Imber Promenade
The Pipes Bridge
The Turkish Bridge
Links to the best family activities, hikes and historic sites in the GOLAN, EASTERN GALILEE, UPPER GALILEE, LOWER GALILEE, JORDAN VALLEY & LAKE KINNERET, the SHEFELAH, TEL AVIV-YAFFO and surroundings, NORTH of TEL AVIV, and SOUTH of TEL AVIV.