The Trumpeldor Cemetery:
A Journey through the History of the City of Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv has a lot to offer in terms of historical site seeing, as the city was founded back in 1909, before Israel even existed as a Jewish country. Many interesting sites are available in this regard, and your historical site seeing tours in the center of Tel Aviv should include a visit to the Trumpeldor Cemetery at 19 Trumpeldor Street.

The Trumpeldor cemetery, the first cemetery of the city, was built in 1902 by one of Tel Aviv's founders and leaders, Shimon Rokach - seven years before the foundation of the city itself. In its early days, the cemetery was located in the outskirts of the city, but as the city grew and developed throughout the years, this location became the center of the city.

The cemetery is named After Yosef Trumpeldor, a famous Jewish Russian war hero who lived in the beginning of the 20th century. Many of the city's founding fathers, central Zionist and cultural figures are buried here. As the cemetery is really a pantheon for major city founders, leaders and politicians, men of culture and education, and figures of Zionist movements, a walk through the paths of the Trumpeldor Cemetery resembles reading the story of the city of Tel Aviv, namely the story of the people who built it.

Look for the gravestones of some of the country’s famous national figures: some of the most interesting ones are; Hayyim Nahman Bialik, the national poet; Haim Arlozorov, the city's first legendary mayor who was assassinated, famous Zionist leaders such as Sheinkin and Nordao; and some famous poets and writers, including Tshernichovski and Ahad Ha’Am.

It is recommended to see the specially designed gravestones; some of these are shaped like musical instruments, human figures, and famous buildings. In many ways, the Trumpeldor cemetery is where the city streets come to life, and if you visit the cemetery after a few days of wondering around the city center, you will surely recognize many of the names.

The Trumpeldor Cemetery is located close to many Tel Aviv hotels; Adiv is nearby, and is one of the most conveniently located Tel Aviv hotels. It offers elegant lodging right next to the beach, very close to many other Tel Aviv hotels, the city center and its main attractions.