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St. Peter’s ChurchFranciscan church from the late 19th century.
This unique church, built by the Franciscans in 1888, stands on the ruins of a Crusader fortress that was destroyed by the Mamluks in the 13th century. The Franciscans incorporated the ruins into their church, which in 1799 hosted Napoleon upon his arrival in Jaffa. The current church was built after the previous one was destroyed. It commemorates the presence of Saint Peter, who, according to Christian tradition, came to Jaffa to resurrect Tabitha and later departed for Rome.
Unique features: If you look up at the cross on the roof, you’ll see a stone brought from Banias, where Peter received Jesus’ declaration that he would be the rock of the Church (Peter’s name in Aramaic, Kaifa, means “rock”).
This church is one of the few whose apse does not face east, but rather toward Rome.John 1:42, Matthew 16:13
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House of Simon the TannerThe house where Peter stayed while in Jaffa.
According to Christian tradition, Peter stayed in Jaffa to resurrect Tabitha. That miracle is believed to have occurred on the rooftop of this house. Another miracle mentioned is Peter receiving forbidden foods from heaven, and yet another is his meeting with the Roman centurion Cornelius, sent by an angel.
Resurrection of Tabitha: Acts 9:36
Vision of forbidden foods: Acts 10:9
Meeting with Centurion Cornelius: Acts 10:5