German Colony Haifa Israel

The German Colony is the first Templar colony in Israel, and was established in 1868. The Templars included diverse Protestant Christian sects, who united in Germany during 1861. The Templars believed that settlement in the Land of Israel would bring about the Savior Jesus, and the redemption of mankind. The Templars settled in the Haifa port area and began to build their colony, which was at first an agricultural colony, and later developed into a very modern German city. The main occupation at that time was agriculture; however, this occupation raised the ire of the local Arab farmers who burned the Templar fields. Over time, the Templars became involved in trade and tourism, and opened stores and hotels. Similar Templar colonies were also established in Acco, Jerusalem and in the Jaffa area. The Templars developed the Land of Israel - they brought to Israel the wooden buggies that allowed them to travel throughout the country, and built roads to Acco and Nazareth. The German Colony was the first colony in Israel to be planned and built according to a design. At the lower part of the Colony, the Templars built a harbor for rowboats and ships, and the starting point for the main road up to the mountain. At the zenith of the Colony's life, there were 750 residents with 150 businesses. The Colony had the only doctor and engineer in the area.

At the beginning of the 1990s, the German Colony was restored and renovated, together with the Baha'i Gardens. Today the Colony is Haifa's largest and most important tourist and cultural center. Colony houses have been renovated in light of the period, and the area offers picturesque walking tours. Throughout the Colony, one can find hotels, such as the Templar Boutique Hotel, restaurants, coffee shops, and stores.