2 - Independence Square

Independence Square is Netanya’s main square. It was established in 1939 and has since undergone various changes. It was first referred to as Wauchope Square, after the British High Commissioner, Arthur Wauchope [wo-kop]. When clandestine immigration to Israel was at its peak, the Esther Theater building next to this square was used as a gathering spot and hiding place for the immigrants during their first days in the country. When the State of Israel was established, the square’s name was appropriately changed to Independence Square. Over the years, many design elements were added to the square. For example, in 1961, a sculpture of Moshe Tziffer was erected in the square to commemorate those Netanya residents who fell in battle during the War of Independence. In 1973, a fountain was added, designed in the shape of a sea daffodil by artist Yitzchak Shmueli. In the nineties, the city’s promenade was connected to this square.
Since 2013, the square has come to be known as Interactive Square because of the various types of technology that have been incorporated, such as LED screens, water screens, a sound and lighting system, spectacular water shows, mobile apps and additional elements that are synchronized via internet control rooms.
The square also features ecological pools. In addition, a wide range of leisure activities are held here for the local residents, including: lectures broadcasted on screens, parties, karaoke events, children’s events, playing in the fountain, spinning and zumba exercise sessions, story time and plays, folk dancing, ballroom dancing and more.
Leonardo Hotels, the leading hotel chain, identified the tourism potential of this urban hot spot. They quickly renovated an old local building in order to open an innovative and modern hotel overlooking the heart of Netanya.