Rehovot

Exploring Israel

Reḥovot is a vibrant city on the coastal plain in central Israel and the heart of the country’s most productive citrus belt. The town was established in 1890 by Warsaw Jews as one of the first modern Zionist settlements. The newly founded city soon became economically self-sufficient due to its prosperous citrus groves and the many immigrant agricultural laborers that found work in the region.



Reḥovot was the first city to dismiss its Arab guards and to employ ha-Shomer, the Jewish settlement police under Ottoman rule before World War I.

Today, Rehovot is an academic city with just under 140,000 people. It is home to the Weizmann Institute of Science, one of the world’s premier research institutions, and to the Faculty of Agriculture, Food, and Environment of The Hebrew University.


In This Photo: The Facade of Efraim Zacks House in Menoha Ve Nahala St.

In addition, the city is home to several historic sites, including the Weizmann House. The Weizmann House was built in 1936 as the private home of the first President of Israel, Chaim Weizmann, and first First Lady, Vera Weizmann. Designed by German-Jewish architect Erich Mendelsohn, the house is recognized as an architecturally significant 20th-century home and is now part of the Weizmann Institute of Science.

Furthermore, Rehovot’s main road, Herzl Street, is the city’s beating heart and is lined with shops and restaurants. Just to the west of the old city is Rehovot’s shopping mall (the central bus station), which hosts weekly food festivals during the summer. The local fruit and vegetable market is just outside the shopping mall on Bilu Street.

Last, the city’s two main academic institutes are north of the city, the world-famous Weizmann Institute of Science and the Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food & Environment (HUJI). There is also a developing hi-tech industrial park and plenty of cafés, bars, and restaurants.



Things to do in Rehovot:

The Ayalon Institute

First, I would recommend you to go and visit the Ayalon Institute! It was a secret ammunition factory set up by the Jewish underground. Based on Kibbutz Hill in Rehovot, the factory was disguised as a kibbutz that ran a laundry service to fool the British during the British Mandate. Today, it is a museum and a national historic site.


In This Photo: Ayalon Institute Museum

The Clore Garden of Science and Museum

In addition, The Clore Garden of Science and Museum is an open-air science museum that encourages visitors to touch, experiment, and play with the dozens of exhibits dotting the 2.5 acres of the garden. A great activity if you have kids with you!



The Weizmann House

Another place would be The Weizmann House! The house was the home of the first President of Israel, Chaim Weizmann, and the first First Lady, Vera Weizmann. The house sits atop a hill in Rehovot and is now part of the Weizmann Institute of Science. Designed by Jewish architect Erich Mendelsohn, the house is recognized as an architectural masterpiece. Here is a link to their website


The-Weizmann-House

HaTzofim Grove

Last is the HaTzofim Grove! The grove is filled with wildflowers and beautiful trees and is an excellent place for camping. Escape from the hectic city life and relax in this calm and cool environment.

arik-about

Hi! My name is Arik, an Israeli native who dedicated his life to sharing my passion for the Holy Land with those interested in knowing more about this incredible piece of land. I’m the Chief Guide at ‘APT Private Tours in Israel’.

Did you know the Hoopoe is Israel's national bird?! For more cool info about Israel, join our ever growing community and get exclusive travel tips, and giveaways!

Simon Peter

RELATED POSTS

Nimrod Fortress National Park

Nimrod Fortress National Park protects is a medieval Ayyubid castle set on the southern slopes of Mount Hermon. So let's go touring!

Shrine of the Book

The Shrine of the Book is a wing of the Israel Museum that houses one of the most important archaeological finds ever found in Israel!

El-Jazzar Mosque

The el-Jazzar Mosque, also known as the White Mosque, is located on el-Jazzar Street inside the walls of the old city of Acre.

Armenian Quarter

The Armenian Quarter in Jerusalem is a fascinating place to visit. Forming part of Jerusalem Old City it is a must-see site for any tourist.

Hall of Names

The Hall of Names is a building at Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum, where the names of millions of Holocaust victims are commemorated.

Jerusalem Bird Observatory

The Jerusalem Bird Observatory (JBO) is a renowned site for birdwatching and conservation located in the heart of Jerusalem!

Jewish Quarter Defenders Monument

The Jewish Quarter Defenders Monument in Jerusalem stands as a powerful testament to the bravery and resilience of the Jewish people!

The Hospitaller Fortress

The Hospitaller Fortress, also known as the Knights' Halls, are formerly used for lodging and eating for the Crusaders in Acre.

Amud Stream Nature Reserve

Amud Stream Nature Reserve is a great way to relax and unplug from the world. On the way discover ancient history and hike amazing trails.

Best National Parks in Israel

Which are the best National Parks in Israel? So I've compiled a shortlist of my top 5 parks for those planning to visit the Holy Land ...

Need help?

Skip to content