King Albert Square is one of the smallest squares in Tel Aviv. It is located in the heart of Tel Aviv, in the quiet backstreets behind Rothschild Boulevard, at the intersection of Nachmani, Montefiore, Melchett, and Bezalel Yaffe streets. In the center of the small square are two large ficus trees and a bench, which makes it arguably one of the most picturesque squares in Tel Aviv.
The square is named after Albert the first, King of Belgium from 1909 until his death. During his reign, the king demanded that Germany respect the neutrality of Belgium on the eve of World War I, and when required to allow the German army to pass through his country – he stood at the head of his army and stayed with the army throughout the war.
King Albert visited Israel in 1933 and traveled with Tel Aviv Mayor Meir Dizengoff, who promised to name a square after him. The king was killed about a year later in a mountain climbing accident in the Ardennes, in southeastern Belgium.
The most famous building in the square is the Pagoda House, built in 1924 by the architect Alexander Levy in an eclectic style. The building was built for an American Jew of Eastern European descent who barely lived there. It stood neglected for many years until it was renovated in the late 90s of the 20th century.
Another unique building is on the south side of the square, at 48 Montefiore Street. The building, which was originally built in the Bauhaus style, was completely demolished except for the facade facing the square. Behind the preserved facade, a modern building with curtain walls was built. The contrast between the new building and the old facade creates a unique structure. In addition, the renovators created a relief on the front of the building depicting the reflection of the sycamore tree in the center of the square on the wall.
On the northern side of the square stands the “Beit Shafran”, named after the developer of the building erected in the 1930s. The uniqueness of this structure is in the entrance space, on both sides of which are painted impressive murals depicting the Western Wall and Rachel’s Tomb as seen in the early 20th century. The condition of the paintings is very bad, and they deserve to be preserved better.
If you are fond of architecture, King Albert Square is a place you most pop in, with some of the most impressive Eclectic Style buildings in Tel Aviv. For lunch, you go to the nearby Café Noir, which is famous among residents for its veal schnitzel.
