White Tower

The White Tower is not white. It takes its name from the nearby White Mosque built in the 8th century city which was destroyed by a huge earthquake. Only the 12 century tower, known as the White Tower, or Square Tower, built by Saladin remains. The White Tower rises 30 meters over the main road between the port of Jaffa and Jerusalem (now Route 44). Upon its completion in 1318 it was used as an observation tower over the traffic on the main road and perhaps as a minaret for the Muazin.

White Tower Ramla

White Tower Ramla

White Tower Ramla

White Tower Ramla

White Tower Ramla

White Tower Ramla

White Tower Ramla

White Tower Ramla

White Tower Ramla

Tour Guide Story

Once upon a time the residents of nearby Lod were jealous of Ramla because of its White Tower. They planned to steal it and bring it to their city. In the dead of night they of Lod tied rubber ropes around the tower, having received them from an old Sheikh who decided to play a trick on them. They began dragging it towards Lod. As they approached Lod, they began to proclaim: “the Tower of Ramla is approaching”. The residents of Lod heard this and came out to greet the tower, but very surprisingly, the tower remained in place in Ramla.

Water Reservoirs

In the courtyard between the Square Tower and the remains of the White Mosque, are three original (dry) underground cisterns, the maximum storage capacity of which is estimated to be 6400 cubic meters. It appears that at least two of them were built in the 8th century. The cisterns are filled from the aqueduct that carried water from ancient Gezer.

Views from White Tower in Ramle

British Mandatory Mail Box Park

I really cannot understand the logic of the Mandatory Post Box Park playground across the street from the White Tower.

The Shrine of Nabi Salih

According to Islamic tradition Nabi Salih urged pagans to abandon their idols and to worship Allah. The heathens tested him and said: “If you can turn this stone into a female camel we shall believe in Allah.”  Nabi Salih indeed accomplished this feat and ever since then many believe in the legendary Nabi Salih.

Address: Danny Mas St. Ramla

Hours

• Sun. Thurs. 8:00 am 2:30 pm
• Fri. and Holidays 8:00 am 2:00 pm
• Sat. and holidays 8:00 am 4:00 pm

Entrance fees:

• Adults 5 NIS, Children/soldiers/seniors 4 NIS
• Group of over 20 – 20% discount
• To schedule visits: 9206586, 08-9771595

Coordination of combined visits to the Pool of Arches, the White Tower and the Ramla Museum (12 NIS per person): 08-921 6873

For reservations for a combined tour, please click here.