The Tabor House in Jerusalem, 58 Street of the Prophets

© Goethe-Institut

Conrad Schick from Bitz in Württemberg was an archaeologist, missionary and architect. After finishing his studies in Basel he settled in Palestine in 1846 at the age of 24 to work for the St. Chrischona Protestant pilgrim mission. As an archaeologist he spent almost half a century doing research in Jerusalem and surrounding area; they even allowed him onto the Temple Mount, where foreigners were actually not permitted to go. As an architect he was one of the founders of Mea Shearim, one of the first settlements located outside the Old Town.

© Goethe-Institut

Conrad Schick designed the Tabor House Beit Tabor in Street of the Prophets for himself and his family. The building has an enclosed inner courtyard and is characterised by a mixture of old and new design, as well as oriental and western style. Palm leaves are carved into the façade, and so are the Greek letters alpha and omega – they symbolise the beginning and end. Today the building houses the Protestant Swedish Theological Institute.