by Daniel Bouzaglo 
Neighborhoods in Jerusalem – Mamilla
Exploring Mamilla: Jerusalem’s Chic Blend of History, Luxury, and Modern Living
Mamilla is a historic neighborhood in Jerusalem with a rich and complex history. Originally established in the late 19th century outside the Old City, it was a vibrant and mixed Jewish–Arab business district. However, its fate dramatically changed after the 1948 Independence War. The neighborhood ended up situated along the armistice line between the Israeli and Jordanian sectors of Jerusalem, and much of it suffered destruction from Jordanian shelling during that period.
In the years following the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel took control of the area and approved an urban renewal project to revitalize Mamilla. This project included transforming parts of the neighborhood into residential and commercial zones, with plans for hotels, office spaces, and retail. One of the most notable developments in recent years was the opening of the Mamilla Mall in 2007, which blends modern architecture with the area’s historical context.
Geographically, Mamilla is located in the northwest extension of the Hinnom Valley, an area that stretches from the southwest corner of the Old City, following along the western wall of Jerusalem. The neighborhood is bordered by several key areas: the Jaffa Gate and Jaffa Road to the east and north, the downtown area and the upscale Rehavia neighborhood to the west, and the Yemin Moshe neighborhood’s sloping terrain to the southwest.
Mamilla spans 120 dunams (approximately 0.12 square kilometers), a relatively small area within the broader urban fabric of Jerusalem. Its location makes it a significant cultural and commercial point of connection between the Old City and the modern urban center.
The Mamilla Mall is a high-end, pedestrian-only shopping destination in Jerusalem, built with a $150 million investment. Modeled after luxury shopping areas such as Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles and The Grove, the mall has positioned itself as a premier retail location. Its design and atmosphere cater to those seeking luxury goods and exclusive shopping experiences.
With commercial spaces leased at rates between $40 and $80 per square meter, the mall is home to about 140 businesses. These range from internationally recognized brands like Rolex, MAC Cosmetics, H. Stern, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Nautica, bebe, and Tommy Hilfiger, to local favorites like Castro, Ronen Chen, Steimatzky Books, and Café Rimon. This blend of global and local retailers offers a diverse shopping experience for both locals and tourists. One of the notable retail milestones was the opening of the first Gap store in Israel at the Mamilla Mall in August 2009, which further solidified the mall’s status as a key commercial center in the city.
The Teddy Fountain, also known as the Teddy Park, is a notable landmark located on the slope of the valley near the Mamilla neighborhood. It opened in 2013 and has since become a popular spot for both locals and tourists visiting Jerusalem. The fountain is named after Teddy Kollek, the former mayor of Jerusalem (1965–1993), who was instrumental in the development and beautification of the city. The park and fountain are part of the ongoing efforts to make Jerusalem more accessible, vibrant, and inviting to visitors.
Mamilla’s history stretches far beyond its establishment as a modern neighborhood in the late 19th century, reaching back to ancient times, including the Roman Empire period and the reign of King Herod the Great.
Some important historical highlights of the Mamilla area:
- Herod the Great and the Mamilla Pool:
The Mamilla area is closely associated with the construction of the Mamilla Pool, which was likely built by Herod the Great during his reign (37–4 BCE). The pool was part of a larger water system that supplied Jerusalem, and it is considered one of the key examples of Herod’s impressive architectural projects. The pool itself, once a large and functioning water reservoir, has long since dried up but remains a symbol of the area’s historical significance. - Roman and Byzantine Periods:
In the Roman period, the Mamilla area, located just outside the city’s walls, was part of the broader landscape of Jerusalem. It was a strategic location due to its proximity to key roads leading into the city, and it likely served as a burial site. During the Byzantine period (4th to 7th century), the area continued to be used for similar purposes, with many tombs and burial caves discovered in the region. - Medieval Period:
The Mamilla area played a role during the Crusader period (12th century). Though it was just outside the Old City’s walls, it was involved in both military and civilian activities, with certain religious and residential structures established there. Over the centuries, it continued to be a site of strategic and economic importance. - Ottoman Period:
During the Ottoman Empire’s rule (16th–19th centuries), Mamilla was primarily a suburban area, serving as an extension of Jerusalem. The neighborhood began to grow in importance, as it was located near the Jaffa Gate and provided access to the surrounding regions. Some parts of Mamilla were used for agricultural purposes, and the area began to see a rise in housing and commercial activity. - The Late 19th Century and Modern Development:
In the late 19th century, Mamilla transformed into a more developed residential neighborhood, largely due to the expansion of Jerusalem outside the Old City walls. During this time, several Western-style buildings and institutions were established in the area, including shops and residential homes. This led to the area’s modern role as a commercial and cultural center.
Today, traces of Mamilla’s rich history—spanning from the Roman Empire through the Byzantine, Crusader, Ottoman, and modern periods—are still evident in the surrounding archaeological sites, including tombs, ancient buildings, and remnants of the Mamilla Pool. The juxtaposition of these ancient elements with the more recent developments, like Mamilla Mall and modern architecture, makes the neighborhood a fascinating area for both historical exploration and contemporary life.
