Built in 1933, the former British High Commissioner's headquarters - Government House or Armon HaNatsiv in Hebrew - is an elegant, monumental building. In Christian tradition, the site is known as the Hill of Evil Counsel, linking it to home of Caiaphas the high priest from the time of Jesus. Situated in the south of the Valley of Hinnom, it commands a superb view to the old city, Mount of Olives, Judean Desert and into Jordan.
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| Facade - photo Daniela Penkova |
Designed by British architect Austen St. Barbe Harrison, it combines local elements and classical symmetry and bears great resemblance to the Rockefeller Museum in east Jerusalem which he also designed. Once again, he succeeds in creating a building that relates to local historical tradition, the dramatic landscapes and represents the values and culture of the British Empire of its day.
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| Main Guard Entrance to the compound |
In 1948, the British abandoned the building handing it over to the Red Cross. After the Armistice Agreement was signed in 1949, The United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation - UNTSO - moved into the building. It also overseas the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) based on the Golan Heights.
Having fallen into disrepair, the building recently underwent a $7 million renovation restoring it to its former glory.
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Sunken Garden from the south
photo Daniela Penkova |
Two weeks ago I was fortunate enough to be taken on a private tour of the
building which reminded me of the YMCA on King David Street and the Rockefeller Museum.
The simple stone interiors are grand but not overwhelming. High windows allow natural light to flood into the rooms. The most impressive room is the ballroom, which connects to the reception room and incorporates a splendid fireplace designed by Armenian ceramic artist David Ohanessian.
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| View to the ballroom |
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| The fireplace with Armenian ceramics |
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| Ceramic detail |
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| Facade at Dusk - photo Daniela Penkova |
