by Neighborhoods in Jerusalem – Arnona
Arnona is a neighborhood in the southern part of Jerusalem, also known as Old Talpiot.
Located just south of the city center and west of the famous Talpiot area.
Arnona is one of the highest parts of Jerusalem, at around 800 meters above sea level, allowing one to enjoy views of the Dead Sea and the Judean Desert.
The neighborhood is named after the river Arnon, the view towards which can be observed from it as well.
Arnona is a largely residential area, with a mix of private homes, apartment buildings, and some older houses that date back to the early 20th century.
Most of the buildings are low story, housing a small number of apartments.
The area is known for being quieter and more suburban compared to the bustling center of Jerusalem,
making it attractive to families and those seeking a peaceful living environment while still staying close to all the central spots in the city.
The neighborhood has a variety of architectural styles, ranging from traditional Jerusalem stone buildings to newer, more contemporary developments. It is known for its spacious homes and gardens.
The neighborhood features several parks and green areas, adding to its appeal for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Arnona is generally considered an upscale neighborhood, with many of its residents being middle to upper-middle class. The area is popular among both Israelis and expats,
with many international residents choosing to live here due to its proximity to central Jerusalem.
Arnona is well connected to other parts of the city, and is close to important areas like the Malcha commercial center, and the Talpiot industrial zone.
As well as being a short drive away from the City Center.
On the other side Arnona borders Kibbutz Ramat Rachel that has large agricultural lands and offers a piece of countryside right on the border of the city.
Ramat Rahel also offers a large Country Club which is enjoyed by many residents of Arnona as well. While Arnona offers a more peaceful environment, it is still within reach of Jerusalem’s more lively districts.
Its location provides a balance between the calmness of suburban living and the convenience of being near the city’s cultural, historical, and economic hubs.
Public transportation options are available, though the neighborhood is also convenient for driving with access to key roads leading in and out of Jerusalem.
Arnona is well-served by bus lines, and its residents have relatively easy access to both central Jerusalem and the outskirts.
The new light train route which is currently being built on Hebron Rd. will also serve the neighborhood for easy public transport access to all parts of the city.
The Begin Center, a museum and cultural center dedicated to the life and legacy of former Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin, is located on the edge of Arnona, near the Malcha area.
While technically just outside the neighborhood, it is one of the notable cultural landmarks nearby.
The United States Embassy to Israel moved to Arnona on May 14, 2018. Previously the building had been designated as the US Consulate General in Jerusalem.
The date had been chosen to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the Israeli Declaration of Independence.
The house of the renowned Israeli writer Shai Agnon is also located in Arnona on Klausner St 16. It was designed by the architect Fritz Kornberg who was also a resident of the neighborhood and built in 1931.
Agnon lived in the house up until his hospitalization in late 1969 and subsequent death in early 1970.
The house is the place where Agnon worked and wrote most of his notable works.
In 1978 it was decided to open a literary center in the house as well as a museum in memory of Agnon, the literary center and museum offer guided tours, courses, and special events.
The house stores over 8,000 books from Agnon’s personal library.
Another special building located in Arnona on Ein Gedi street, is the house of Ben-Yehuda, it was built for Eliezer Ben Yehuda, known as “the reviver of the Hebrew language”.
Ben-Yehuda passed away a short time before the completion of the building procedures and never got to live in his new home,
however his wife and children did move in and throughout the years turned the house into a commemorative center for Ben-Yehuda.
Later the family donated the house to the Jerusalem Municipality.
Along the years the house was turned into a center for volunteers. In 2004 a new wing was built in the backyard of the house in order to create an International Meeting Center and guesthouse.
The goal was to establish a guesthouse that opens its doors for everyone and to create a place that is a cultural center for learning.
With a focal point on German-Israeli relations the center offers a variety of different seminars, workshops, lectures, language courses and other events on historical, sociological, political and cultural topics,
such as German, Hebrew and Yiddish courses. For more information on the center visit: https://beitbenyehuda.org/
The neighborhood offers many synagogues to all religious movements.
The Shai Agnon Synagogue is the most prominent one, but other synagogues include Tzameret Arnona – with a mixed English and Hebrew speaking community,
Beth Habad Francophone – a religious center for the French speaking community, Kehilat Ma’ayanot – a mixed Ashkenaz and Sefardim jewish community,
Kehilat Talpiot Hachadasha, the Atrid Synagogue – a young Sephardi-Moroccan shul, the Mishkenot Arnona Synagogue – for Ashkenazi jews, and many more.
Arnona offers many educational facilities including over 25 kindergartens, 2 elementary schools, colleges and higher education centers, as well as an Ulpan – a center for learning Hebrew for new Olim.
In short, Arnona offers a desirable combination of tranquility, modern living, and accessibility to key parts of Jerusalem.
It is ideal for families or individuals who want a more laid-back lifestyle but still desire to remain connected to the dynamic life of Jerusalem.
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