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One of the first houses to be built outside the old city walls was a fabulous villa is filled with sumptuously decorated rooms. At first completely isolated in the desert, dwelling in the end was embedded in the fourth aristocratic Arab Sheikh Jarrah, which has grown up around it.

palatial residence include nicely equipped with chambers for the rich ef which is owned and operated for each of his four wives. beautiful inner courtyard provides privacy for the villa residents and measures to protect against external attacks.

When the ef died leaving any male heir to take over the historic villas. He has stood empty for decades, until finally rented communal group deeply religious Protestants originally from Chicago. Commonly known as the American colonies, the group was led by Anna and Horatio Spafford, a couple who is known horrible personal tragedy.

before they came to Jerusalem Spaffords lived in a nice house in Chicago. One day in 1873, and four daughters, Anna Spafford took a trip to Europe. Their boat collided with another vessel and, although all four girls perished, Anna was miraculously saved. More children are born to Spaffords after this disaster, but one of them tragically died from the disease. the family moved into the holy city, hoping to find respite from their terrible grief.

pioneer group reached the Holy Land in 1881 and moved to accommodation within the old city walls. However, when tens of Swedes joined Colony in 1896 living quarters became far too crowded for comfort. That's when the American colonies moved in the late ef is a great villa outside the walls.

At first it was a struggle to find funding for a modest daily needs of the colony, as well as assistance offered to needy groups Jerusalemites regardless of religion or nationality. After joining the Swedish farmers, blacksmiths and expert craftsmen, however, finally became a colony of solvents - and even began to prosper! With the new bakery, a smithy, dairy and other companies, it was almost entirely self-sufficient. Finally, new vistas opened ...

When the Emperor Wilhelm II came to Jerusalem in 1898, members of the Swedish colony shot some excellent photos of his visit. The photos are so unique and historic that are in great demand. Photos taken by members of the colony of Swedish background are among the best records we have of the city's milestone events. Several of these paintings are on display in the four Sephardic synagogues in the Old City's Jewish Quarter.

Among those who benefited from the generosity of the American colonies was a group of Yemenite Jews who immigrated to the land of Israel, after a long, arduous journey on foot. Several of the more veteran Jerusalem Jews had the desire or resources to help arrivals from Yemen and the American colonies came to their rescue. colonies fed and clothed with new immigrants, looking after them for many years to come.

colonies began taking in guests in the early 20 century, doubling up to make room for those out-of-town visitors. Little by little the American Colony Hotel has become well known for its combination of European and Middle Eastern hospitality and ambience. To this day, descendants of the original colony of their own hotel and the aura remains.

is like the Old and New Jerusalem, Mount Scopus near the Damascus gate, the hotel suffered severe damage in both the war and the Six-Day War. Fortunately, the building was completely renovated and more than that looks exactly like he did when he designed for wealthy Effendi. Visitors are welcome to see the beautiful, original stone floors and enjoy the unique and touching one view shows a poster from the period 1938-1939, when the Jews -. and Arabs - were in revolt against the British rulers of Palestine. notice to remind you not to discuss military matters in public, as you never know who might be listening!

The second story features an open living room with a great painted wooden ceiling. From the terrace there is a birds-eye view of the beautiful landscaped courtyards: a luxurious garden surrounding the fountain and goldfish pond