Templers Compound: offices in historic buildings at Sarona
In the heart of Tel Aviv's bustling business district, Templers Compound at Sarona offers offices within heritage-listed buildings, surrounded by green parkland.
The agricultural settlement of Sarona was established in 1871 by the Templers, a Christian-religious group originally from Germany, during the final years of Ottoman rule. Following Israel's independence, the buildings were occupied by government offices and later by the general headquarters of the Israel Defence Forces, with the entire area becoming known as 'HaKiryah'.
In 2006, following a joint campaign by the Heritage Preservation Council and Tel Aviv Municipality, a plan was approved that included the preservation of 36 historic buildings — five of which were relocated in a complex engineering operation — alongside new tower development around the park. The hybrid complex opened to the public in 2014.
01Preservation versus development
The compound's past — from Templar settlement to the birthplace of Israeli statehood — is embedded in each building.
02A unique working environment
What distinguishes the compound is the blend of modern offices with green, authentic and relatively quiet surroundings. Aluf Albert Mandler Street overlooks the settlement square, rose garden and pond; nearby, a visitor centre tells the story of the place.