History
The name Katamon has Greek origins and means by the monastery. The Hebrew name for the area is Gonen, but it didn’t catch on for most residents. The San Simon Monastery that’s connected to the name Katamon is a Greek Orthodox monastery. Built on the tomb of Simeon from the Gospel of Luke, the monastery presents on of Katamon’s top tourist attractions.
The San Simon Monastery gave Katamon its name, as Katamon means “by the monastery” in Greek. Photo courtesy of wikipedia.com.
Architecture and Atmosphere
Locals referred to Katamon as “The Flower Garden of Jerusalem.” Today the neighborhood features a combination of apartment buildings and small private homes. Many of the artistic homes of Katamon include yards and are smaller than the mansions and villas found in Talbieh. The area also contains a number of schools and synagogues, causing many young families to populate the area.
The famous Emek Refaim street sits on the outskirts of Old Katamon. Residents can enjoy the many shops and cafes that line Emek Refaim. Photo courtesy of John G. Walter on Flickr.
Landmarks
The San Simon Monastery (also called the Saint Simeon Monastery) is the most famous landmark of Katamon. Today the monastery is surrounded by a large park that attracts many city residents on sunny days and on the Sabbath. Katamon is also home to the L.A Museum for Islamic Art, one of the world’s most significant collections of Islamic art and antiques. Founded in 1974, the museum aims to highlight the history and artistic achievements of Israel’s Muslim neighbors. The unique research activities coupled with the museum’s attempt to bridge the gap between two conflicting cultures makes it a special site in Jerusalem.
Photo courtesy of Shalva Mamistvalov on Flickr.
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