Something special in the air of Safed (Tzfat) sets the city apart from any other.

Maybe it’s the altitude, at 900 meters (2,952 feet) above sea level. Maybe it’s the Jewish mysticism that took root here in the 16th century and still flourishes. Or maybe it’s the magnificent views.

From this 15-square-mile city in the mountains of Israel’s Upper Galilee, you can see east to the Golan Heights, north to Mount Hermon and Lebanon, west to Mount Meron, and south to Tiberias and Lake Kinneret (Sea of Galilee).

People from across the world visit Safed to soak up its homegrown art, music, and spirituality.