The Old City of Ramallah represents a historical fabric made up of buildings and spaces that date back to the late 19th century. The historically rich area showcases the traditional structure of the village from which Ramallah grew, featuring tightly-knit buildings, narrow alleys, and courtyards. It includes a mix of residential buildings, multi-use structures, and recent additions, with an abundance of commercial spaces and streets that blend various functions.
Surrounding the historic fabric are individual heritage buildings that stand as cardinal markers of the city's history. The Ramallah Municipality has prioritized the protection of these unique buildings in a broader commitment to accommodating modern urban needs while preserving the city’s architectural heritage and legacy that continue to shape Ramallah's identity.
The municipality, in collaboration with Riwaq Center, has developed preservation plans for the Old City, outlining protective measures for its historic buildings, alleyways, and courtyards. The city is divided into two historical zones—A and B—each distinguished by its distinct architectural fabric. These measures were formulated and presented to relevant authorities for approval, ensuring that any development aligns with the city’s cultural and historical values.
Additionally, the municipality has implemented a heritage protection program for standalone buildings, including a comprehensive report detailing the importance of each site. Recently, a protection plan for both the Old City and individual heritage buildings was finalized in cooperation with the Heritage Conservation Center and was officially approved by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, in accordance with the Palestinian Cultural Heritage Law (2018).
