JAFFA, an ancient town of Asia in Palestine, formerly called Joppa. Its former grandeur is now greatly diminished. It is situated 40 miles north-west of Jerusalem. It has long been a favourite resort of pilgrims proceeding to Jerusalem. It was taken by the French under Bonaparte, in February 1799, but afterwards retaken and fortified. E. Long. 35. o. N. Lat. 32. 16.