The Wishing Bridge
During our visit to Old Jaffa, we stopped at the entrance to the Wishing Bridge. The sign describes a local legend: anyone who stands on the bridge, holds the image of their zodiac sign, looks toward the sea, and makes a wish will have that wish come true.
The bridge is decorated with twelve bronze sculptures representing the signs of the zodiac. At its entrance is a stone mosaic depicting the zodiac wheel. These features are part of a larger zodiac theme found throughout Old Jaffa, where a number of its narrow lanes are named for the different signs.
The bridge overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and connects two areas within Old Jaffa. Although it does not represent the ancient history of Jaffa in the way its archaeological remains and historic buildings do, it has become a popular modern attraction within the old city.
Our stop at the Wishing Bridge gave us a chance to participate in one of Old Jaffa’s more lighthearted traditions. Surrounded by zodiac symbols and looking toward the Mediterranean, visitors are invited to pause for a moment and quietly make a wish.
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