Holidays in Akko, the best prices for tours in Akko. Free tour of old Acre Old Port of Acre

Historically formed over 5 thousand years definition ancient city as a crossroads of international trade routes, diverse cultures led to its inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The city's attractions

Ancient sights are given to the attention of the guests of the city.

old city walls

Tourists inspect the historic walls, the three-stage construction of which took about a century.

1750-1751. A 10-13-meter wall 1 meter wide was built, passing both from the land side and from the sea side.

Interesting fact. 1790. Napoleon besieged the fortress for 3 months, but could not capture Acre and lifted the siege.

Until 1801, under the Palestinian ruler Al-Jazzar, new fortification walls were built, 9 towers, a canal was pulled out. Suleiman Pasha is engaged in strengthening the northern and western defensive lines.

1840. There is a powerful explosion of the weapons storeroom, destroying the walls protecting from the sea.

Knights' halls

The Monastery of the Hospitallers of St. John partially merges with the city walls thanks to its north wing, which consists of 9 main rooms (hall of arts, sugar hall, hall of captives, etc.). The eastern branch of the building has a ceremonial hall. The western two-story part served as a barracks for the knights.

The southern wing is famous for the refectorium discovered there, built with a combination of Romanesque and Gothic styles. This hall has a vaulted dome supported by three large diameter round columns.

The ticket costs 20 ILS.

White Mosque Al Jazzar

From afar, the white building of the mosque stands out in the sun, the second in beauty and significance after the Jerusalem Dome of the Rock. It was built at the direction of Al-Jazzar from Caesarian granite on the site of the Templar church by Greek and Cypriot specialists, later becoming the burial place of the ruler. The walls surrounding the courtyard contain 45 rooms, where pupils, pilgrims, who studied the Koran, lived.

Interesting fact. A green box brought from Istanbul containing a hair from the beard of the Prophet Muhammad is stored here. Since 1900, this relic has made the mosque especially holy to Muslims. The shrine is shown once a year during Ramadan.

Entrance for tourists - 10 ILS. A handkerchief is issued at the entrance.

Templar Tunnel

From the unpreserved fortress of the Templar Order of the southeastern territory, there remained an object of military purpose - a tunnel cut under the Pisa quarter, connecting the west with the east.

1994. During the restoration work of the city sewerage system, a tunnel 350 meters long was discovered.

1999. It is open to visitors. There are two ways to enter inside: from the sea and the old city. Brown signs are a guide for tourists. The entrance fee is 12 ILS. It is allowed to enter multiple times during the day of ticket purchase.

Inns

Ancient khans, that is, inns, have been preserved. Among them are the following:

• Khan Al-Umdan - a two-level structure surrounding a courtyard square; 32 columns form arched ceilings around the perimeter; well in the middle; a tower decorated with a clockwork rises above the main entrance;
• Khan Al-Faranji - the oldest khan; built by ancient merchants from France; location of the Franciscan church, educational institution;
• Khan A-Shuarda - previously there was a boat workshop, now cafes, restaurants; preserved crusader tower.

Bazaars

The favorable location for the development of trade relations led to the creation of bazaars, some of which have survived to this day. The combination of age-old traditions of Jewish, Arabic, Turkish cuisines, spices, sweets, coffee attracts guests of Akko to local markets.

• The Turkish bazaar (the appearance dates back to the end of the 18th century) is 50 small shops south of the mosque with souvenirs intended for tourists. A favorite place for artists and artisans.
• Bazaar Al-Abyad - a single whole of the street and the building of the bazaar with a high vaulted ceiling. The building material for Al-Abyad was white limestone. Under the Turkish rulers, the bazaar road, passing from the then only city gates through the territory of Acre, was of paramount importance.
• During the Crusader period, Market Street connected the Hospitaller Gate and the seaport. Today it is the central market, smelling of coffee, spices, seafood.

Turkish bath

The museum complex Hamam Al-Basha presents the history of the baths of the Ottoman Empire. The visit has a multimedia accompaniment. The cost is 25 ILS.

bahai park

At a distance of 2 kilometers north of Akko (exit from road number 4) is the Baha'i Park (Bahai Gardens), a center of pilgrimage for the Baha'is. The central part is the temple-mausoleum of Bahullah, the founder of the faith. Plants and trees are planted around in compliance with geometric lines and proportions, architectural forms are created from green spaces.

Interesting fact. Followers of the Baha'i faith around the world are praying towards Acre.

Weather in Akko

The Mediterranean climate is attractive for tourists:

• August is the warmest month, air temperature up to + 32°C, average + 26.7°C, temperature sea ​​water+ 25°С;
• January is the relatively coldest month, the air temperature is up to + 10°C, the average is + 13.7°C, the rainiest month of the year, most of the precipitation falls (146 mm);
• June is the driest month (0 mm).

How to get from Haifa

There is no direct flight between Moscow and Akko. Tourists fly to Haifa airport. Then 25 kilometers remain, which are overcome in several ways:

• by train, which leaves 1 time every hour, the fare is 15.5 ILS;
• bus route No. 251, 271;
• fixed-route taxi (orange) (4.5 ILS);
• by car on highway No. 4 or 22;
• a short taxi ride will cost 7.5 ILS.

Excursions and prices for accommodation

It is more profitable for tourists to purchase combined tickets, for example:

• Crusader Hall + Okashi Museum of Contemporary Art + Ethnographic Museum + Tunnel - 27 ILS;
• Hall of the Crusaders + Turkish baths, including an audio guide in Russian - 46 ILS;
• Map of Old Acre - 3 ILS.

Meals (prices are in shekels):

• shwarma (shawarma) - from 25 ILS,
• falafel (deep-fried meatballs) - 7 ILS - 10 ILS,
• fish or meat on fire with a side dish - from 40 ILS,
• lunch in a restaurant - from 50 ILS.

Accommodation

Hotel name	Average price per night
Akko Gate Hostel	87.33 ILS
Hl Akko Hostel	218.48 ILS
Rimonim Palm Beach	382.10 ILS
Acco Beach Hotel	393.98 ILS
Akkotel-Boutique hotel	600.30 ILS
The Efendi Hotel	1022.30 ILS

Tourists visiting Israel will be able to lift the veil of secrets of the historical city of Akko, enjoy its architecture, a combination of Turkish, Jewish and Arab cultures.

The walled city of Akko is located in the north of the Haifa Bay and was once the leading port of the Mediterranean Sea on a par with Constantinople and. Like many other villages in the Holy Land, it has been occupied by various peoples over the centuries - from the Persians to the Romans. Traces of many of these cultures are still visible in Acre, which is second only to Jerusalem for the abundance of ancient sights in Israel. As a valuable historical monument, the city-fortress of Akko is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Myths and facts

According to legend, once during the laying of the pavement, the bulldozer displaced the slab and the sand under it parted, opening up some kind of passage. Arriving archaeologists removed more tons of sand before a huge, magnificent crusader hall opened before them, with three massive columns in the center supporting a vaulted ceiling.

The once powerful port of Akko was part of the kingdom of Israel, included in the empire of Alexander the Great after the conquest in 332 BC. Subsequently, Akko was captured by the Egyptian king Ptolemy II, who renamed it Ptolemais. This name was used until the Muslim conquest in the 7th century, when the former was restored. The confusion with the name of the city was intensified by the crusaders with the conquest of the fortress in 1104, after which the ancient port became known as St. Jean d'Acco.

In 1291, the Mamluks destroyed the city and killed all the crusaders. Acre lost its military importance for the next 500 years. In the middle of the 18th century, the Bedouin sheikh Daher el-Omar made Akko his capital and built a large fortress here. His followers fortified the structure and added a number of mosques, including the el-Jazzar Mosque, one of the most beautiful in Israel.

Withstood the attack of Napoleon in 1799, who, after an unsuccessful attempt to take the city, was forced to retire to. Only in 1918 the British managed to occupy the fortress. used the strong walls as a high-security prison for Jewish underground groups.

Today, a memorial museum of the history of the fortress and prison has been opened in the dungeons of Akko.

What to see

The ancient complex consists of an 18th-century inn where camel caravans stopped, delivering grain from the Galilee. The high clock tower was built later, in 1906, in honor of the Turkish Sultan Abdul Hamid.

Opposite the mosque is the entrance to the underground city of the Crusaders. One of the most exciting rooms is undoubtedly the Knights' Hall of the Hospitallers of the Order of St. John, which today is used for concerts. One level below is another large hall, where the solemn ceremonies of the crusaders probably took place.

You can also look into the underground prison death cells, where the instruments of torture and the gallows, the hinge of which still hangs over the open trap door, have been preserved.

I got into the noisy and many-sided Akko by accident. I had a free day in the middle of a busy week, and, taking my old friend by the arm, I decided to go to conquer the Western Galilee. The fortified city is located just north of the famous Haifa and strikes, first of all, with the blue of its enveloping sea, which surrounded it from almost three sides.

If you ask me, it seems to me that if you are here for just a few days, you should not hesitate to go on a trip to two cities - Jerusalem and Acre. Based on my travel experience in this tiny state, the two cities mentioned are Israel itself in its cultural and historical heritage. And if, of course, you are a crazy lover of nature, it is just a whole treasure in the north of the country. Both cities are very colorful and amaze with the number of attractions scattered literally at every turn. Moreover, you will stumble upon them not only on the surface, but also under it.

The way I saw Akko today is reminiscent of any traditional Middle Eastern city: it is small and loud, but unrealistically mesmerizing with the beauty of its markets, narrow cobbled streets flooded with sunlight, and, of course, the mass of mosques and churches that simply filled this small piece of land .

Breathing in the local salty air filled with dreams of distant shores and foreign countries, I wanted to walk through the narrow streets of Akko for an eternity, touching historical memory with my fingers and stumbling on the go about local owners - cats of all stripes and colors of the rainbow.

How to get there

Since Akko is a small port town, getting to it directly from Moscow or St. Petersburg, of course, is unrealistic. You will first need to fly to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv or Haifa International Airport, and from there go to Akko by internal transport. The Tel Aviv option is much more convenient, so I will describe it.

By the way, you can go to Akko on a high-speed and, I must say, very comfortable train (almost like in Europe, but actually not) directly from Ben Gurion, the trip will take about 2 hours one way. But usually travelers prefer to first admire Tel Aviv itself and its stormy and eventful life, and only then go to conquer the fortress cities.

You can also get from Tel Aviv to Akko by train or by bus. There is always an option to rent a car, but here you need to remember that an international driver's license will come in handy for such a thing. Trips on this transport will take approximately 1.5 or 2 hours, depending on traffic.

Personally, I love to cross the expanses of Israel by bus, because from my window there are always breathtaking views. But if, for example, you do not like shaking in a dusty bus in forty-degree heat for 2 hours, then I can perfectly understand you.

By plane

Akko does not have its own airport, so it is not yet possible to fly directly from Moscow or St. Petersburg to there, only if, perhaps, on a magic magic carpet :).

The nearest international airport is located in Tel Aviv. Directly from Moscow, the Russian airlines Aeroflot and Ural Airlines and the Israeli El Al fly there all week (except for Shabbat, because it is a holy day). A flight with Ural Airlines will cost you about 7,500 rubles one way, with Aeroflot - 8,000 rubles, with El Al - 9,500 rubles.

How to get from the airport to Akko city center

From Ben Gurion to Akko, the easiest and fastest way to travel is by train. The train station is located at the airport itself, and trains to the central station in Akko run every 20-30 minutes from there. I will tell you more about this in the next chapter.

By train

Trains between Tel Aviv Airport and Akko run quite often, depending on the day of the week and time of day, about once every 20-30 minutes. The trip will last about 2 hours, during which you will be able to admire the awesome views of Israel to your heart's content. And believe me, there is something to see! And green fields, and exotic palm trees, and lonely deserts! All for the prying eye!

A train ride costs 12 USD (44 shekels), and you can buy a ticket already at the box office or in a special machine at the railway station itself. The train schedule can and is very convenient to look at on this site (and there is a wonderful version in Russian, so trying to read Hebrew squiggles is not at all necessary!).

In principle, you can also get to Akko from Tel Aviv itself, if, for example, you have already stopped there and are just going to go on a trip to this city. Trains from the Tel Aviv-Merkaz or Tel Aviv-Center station run every half an hour, and a ticket will cost you 10 USD (35.5 shekels) one way. The trip in time will be a little shorter than from the airport (logically), and will take 1.5 hours.

The train arrives at the Akko-Center (Merkaz) station, and from there you can walk to the city center in 10-15 minutes, depending on your speed of movement.

By bus

As I said, I prefer to ride around Israel by bus. But here, for example, I would still advise you to go to Akko by train, especially if you managed to come to Israel in the most fiery season - July-August.

If you still feel that you are strong in spirit and ready to sweat a little on the bus, then get ready: you will not be able to directly drive to Akko from Tel Aviv. You will need to take the Egged bus No. 845 (it runs every half an hour to an hour) at the new Central Bus Station (Ha-Hagana Train Station) and ride it 2.5 hours to the Ami "ad Junction stop ) in the Galilee. There you should change to bus number 500 or number 503, which usually leaves every 15-30 minutes, and it will take about 1 hour to reach the final stop - the Central Bus Station in Akko (Akko Central Bus Station) There are buses from here to the city center and the old town (#61,62), or you can always walk, the distances are not that great, such a slightly tiring trip will cost you about 19.5 USD (70 shekels).

If you are suddenly brought to Haifa, which is located 23 km from the city I am describing, then from it you can get to Akko in a more simple way in 35-45 minutes and for only 4.5 USD (16 shekels). The numbers of buses that travel from Haifa to Akko are No. 251 or No. 271. They leave from a station called Merkazit Hamifrats and also go to the Central Bus Station in Akko. They run once every half an hour, and sometimes more often.

You can see the schedule and prices on the website of the bus company. And a small reminder for those who are in this sacred country for the first time: Friday and Saturday are considered days off here, so on Friday buses run according to a special schedule, and on Saturday they don’t run at all until late in the evening. Therefore, be careful, dear travelers :).

By car

Acre passes through federal highway number 2, by which you can reach this city from Tel Aviv on the highway called Kvish HaHof in 1 hour 26 minutes (114 km).

You can also go through the federal highway number 6 on the highway called Yitzhak Rabin Hwy. This way will take you 1 hour 34 minutes (122 km).

It is worth considering that there are paid sections on these two tracks, so prepare your wallets. Based on travel time and distance to your destination, one-way petrol will cost you approximately 19.5 USD (70 shekels).

Both routes are marked on the map.

Well, if you decide to drive from Haifa, the nearest major city to Acre, then you are invited to follow highway No. 22. You will be on the road for 27 minutes (25.6 km). Here gasoline will cost you about 8-11 USD (30-40 shekels).

You can check if there are free cars, as well as find out rental prices and book a car.

By ferry

It's amazing, but in this ancient port city, which is already more than 4000 years old, until 2016 there was no ferry service. It was launched in October last year, and this event aroused incredible interest among local residents. To be honest, I have not yet had time to try out this latest invention, but those who have already sailed along the Akko route say that the trip gives an unforgettable experience. Well, it remains only to believe in the word!

The ferry operates every day, and the voyage itself takes 45 minutes. You can ride it twice a day, in the morning and in the afternoon. A one-way ticket costs 8 USD (30 NIS), round trips will cost you 15 USD (55 NIS). You can look at the details of the route and the ferry departure schedule at the cruise company.

Maybe I should also buy a ferry ticket and enjoy the views of Mount Carmel? Mmm, I think :).

Clue:

Akko - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 1

Kazan 1

Samara 2

Yekaterinburg 3

Novosibirsk 5

Vladivostok 8

When is the season. When is the best time to go

In Akko, as well as, in fact, in Israel itself, it is better to go from March to May, when the hot Middle Eastern sun has not yet fully entered into its full possession, and the weather allows you to calmly wander around the city and admire the sights. My trip to Akko took place just in March of this year, when the thermometer showed only +18-20 degrees during the day, and we could not be afraid of getting a sunstroke after the first minute of going outside.

Of course, this instruction is suitable for you if you are not a fan of the scorching sun and a beach holiday. But, if you nevertheless got to Israel for the sake of the golden sands and the turquoise sea, as well as excursions in the surrounding area, then you should definitely come in July-September, when the average temperature overboard is +35 degrees Celsius, and the sea temperature - +28 degrees. If you are planning to go on an excursion to Acre during this period, then stock up on sunscreen and hats, otherwise the trip will turn into a nightmare.

Prices in the low season (approximately from November to May) and high season (approximately from June to October) for tourists do not differ much. What will really cost you exorbitant prices in the "hot" season is air tickets. But other than that, you don't have to worry too much about being charged more because it's July, not December.

Tourists in the high season in Israel, of course, are much more than in the low season. One has only to look at the fullness of the beaches in the period from June to September and everything will immediately become clear. Here, again, it all depends on the purpose of your trip: if you came for the sake of aesthetic and cultural enjoyment, then it is better for you to come in the low season, and if for the sake of a lazy holiday, then in the high season. What tours are there in Israel from Russia, you can see.

Acre in summer

Summer is the peak tourist season in Israel. Even taking into account the fact that the air temperature is often above +40, crowds of tourists come to this country of milk and honey during this period.

Akko is located in the north of the country, so in the summer months the air temperature there averages +30 degrees, sometimes +35, that is, a little cooler than in the center of the country. I would really like to visit Acre in July or August, so that I can definitely swim in the Mediterranean Sea, which attracts me to its depths. The only thing that scares me is the abundance of tourists who come to explore the historical sights of the ancient city from all over the world. But there is never bored during this period and there will always be fellow travelers :).

Acre in autumn

Akko in autumn is not much different from the summer variation of this city, since the border between summer and autumn in Israel is very blurry. In September and October, the air temperature remains approximately at the same level as in the summer months, and only by the end of October - beginning of November does it gradually begin to decrease.

I was lucky enough to visit Akko in mid-November, when the air temperature was already in the range of +15–20 degrees Celsius during the daytime, and walking around the city was fresh in autumn, and not tiringly hot. There are much fewer tourists during this period than in the summer months, because it is much more pleasant to see the sights, architectural monuments and holy places when you do not have to hide from the scorching sun all day.

Acre in spring

March marks the beginning of the spring season in Israel and Akko itself. The air temperature after a rainy and damp winter begins to warm up to +19 degrees, and due to different climatic zones, its run-up can be very large, up to 10 degrees.

Since Akko is located in the north, there is a comfortable spring temperature - +19-20 degrees, and this is the favorable period when you should just walk around the city or come to it on an excursion. When I was in Akko this March, I enjoyed the peace and quiet of its narrow streets and the first warm rays of the sun that illuminated the local buildings. There are not many tourists in the spring, because the country and the city are just beginning to wake up after hibernation.

Acre in winter

Winter in Israel is treacherous and dank, the average temperature in January-February is +11-12 degrees. And although, at first glance, it seems that this is quite a comfortable temperature, in fact it is not.

In the north of the country, including Akko, the winter period is accompanied by severe winds and constant rains, so I would not advise going on an excursion at this time. There is a high probability of getting wet and simply catching a cold. On the other hand, not far from Akko, in the same north, is Mount Hermon, where there is a beautiful ski resort for all outdoor enthusiasts.

Akko - monthly weather

Clue:

Akko - monthly weather

Districts. Where is the best place to live

In general, Akko can be divided into two large areas - Old city(Ir ha-Atika) and the New City (Ir ha-Hadasha).

• Old Akko is one of the most striking cultural gems of Israel and the Mediterranean. He himself called this city a historical and architectural reserve, and in 2001 the city of UNESCO awarded Akko the status of a world heritage city.
• The new city is located outside the walls, and it is divided into four main parts, which, in fact, surround the old city - this is the area built during the period of the British Mandate, the northern districts, the eastern quarters and the southern beach.

I'll tell you about the old and new city in more detail.

A small reminder: most often I book hotel rooms at, and you can check if there is a better price for you anywhere.

You can view offers and prices for renting private apartments and rooms in Akko.

Old city

The old town area is suitable for those who prefer small and comfortable hotels. All the sights are nearby, so you don't have to run far to see the next ruins. Lovers of antiquity will appreciate several hotels that are located inside the fortress walls, such as Akko Gate Hostel or Accotel Boutique Hotel. Their windows overlook the streets of the old city. Accommodation here will cost about 84 USD (300 shekels) per night for two.

New town

Hotels in the new city are more suitable for those who like to be among the bustle of people. Since the city itself is very small, even if you stay in one of the hotels in the new city, you will quickly (10-15 minutes) get to the old city, where the main architectural monuments are located. If not on foot, then by bus, they go often and everywhere. For example, just 700 meters from the old city, the Zarqa Luxury Suites hotel is located right on the seashore. Or Rimonim Palm Beach - it is a 5-minute drive from the old town and just a meter from the sandy beach. Well, isn't it heaven? Accommodation in these hotels will cost you 210-225 USD (750-800 shekels) per night in a double room.

***

I cannot say that there are any unfavorable areas in Akko, but it is worth bearing in mind that the Arab population prevails here. Therefore, if you, say, two girls, are going to go alone, then it is better to prick up your ears. Also, I would not advise staying up late in cafes or bars, because local taxi drivers strive to scam gullible tourists returning to their hotel after a night of partying. Well, just so you know :).

What are the prices for holidays

A day's stay in Akko will cost you about 140-196 USD (500-700 shekels). This is in case you really plan to stay overnight in a hotel, take a tour, eat normally, and so on.

• The price per night in a hostel for one is 42 USD (150 shekels).
• Accommodation in a hotel in the city center (old city and new city) - 84 USD (300 shekels) per night (3-4 stars) and 195 USD (700 shekels) (5 stars).
• Tour of the old city - 67-69 USD (240 - 250 shekels) per person.
• A small snack in a supermarket or market - 8 USD (30 shekels) (fruit, juice (water), chocolate, nuts).
• Lunch or dinner in a cafe for one person - 17 USD (60 shekels).
• A taxi ride - from 4 USD (14 shekels).
• Museum tickets are usually included in the tour price.
• Ticket for a one-way trip by bus - 1.5 USD (6 shekels).

You can save money on several things. For example, in food. You don't have to eat all three (four, five...) meals in cafes or restaurants. It's quite possible to get your fill at the market in the old city, which sells the most colorful Israeli and Middle Eastern food. So, traditional hummus with pita and a drink will cost you 5-7 USD (20-25 shekels), and falafel or sabih 7-8.5 USD (25-30 shekels). They also sell delicious sweets that you definitely cannot refuse. For example, during my travels in any Middle Eastern market I buy knaffe - a Middle Eastern sweet that makes me dizzy. It costs about 1-3 USD (5-10 shekels) depending on the size and will raise your blood sugar levels with a bang.

In addition, you can save on a ticket. There are little tricks here, which you can learn from your guide. If you came to Akko for a couple of days, then you do not have to buy a bus ticket every time, but you can buy a special ticket hofshi-yomi. It's like a wallet where you put a certain amount of money, and for the whole day you pay for the fare, let's say, not 1.6 USD (5.90 shekels) (as for a regular ticket), but 1 USD (3.60 shekels) ).

Also, once again I advise you not to take a taxi, because it is a waste of time and money. The city is very small, and it is within your power to move around on your own two feet or, in extreme cases, by bus. If you still decide to take a taxi, then be sure to ask the driver to turn on the meter, otherwise the amount of the trip will be exorbitant.

Main attractions. What to see

There is something to admire in Acre, and the number of attractions here is simply unthinkable. In general, ideally, you should take a guide who will tell you in detail about all the local advantages. Once I went with a guide, and the second time without, and the difference was obvious :).

If we talk about the old city, then you should definitely see the last refuge of the crusaders in the Holy Land and walk through the underground tunnel of the Templars. It is also worth visiting at least one of the three oriental bazaars and buying oriental sweets there. As I wrote above, this is one of my favorite things to do when I get into the Middle East market.

Personally, I was very impressed by the al-Jazzar mosque, which is considered the second largest Muslim shrine in Israel. Also one of the must see items is the Turkish hammam or Russian bath. You can visit it even with a whole excursion and learn the history of the origin of the tradition of bathing in the hammam.

Well, and, of course, it would be great if you ended up in the Bahai Park, located 2 km just north of Akko. When I walked through this park, I could not believe that such beauty really exists, because this place breathes history.

Top 5

My top 5 are:

• Templar tunnel. It was built by the Knights Templar in the 12th century along with a residential area in the southwestern part of Akko. The city was important to them because it provided a huge amount of money. The main trade and passenger flows passed through this Middle Eastern center, and even Marco Polo went from here on his journey through the Far East.

• Ancient Bazaar (White Bazaar). This White Bazaar was erected during the reign of Dahir al-Umr al-Zeidani, the leader of northwestern Palestine. High vaults in the center of the market, holes and light passing through them - all these details give it lightness and a special flavor.

• Turkish hammam. The baths were built in 1795 by Pasha al-Jazzar. At the moment, there is a museum, during a visit to which you can see a performance with various effects.

• Mosque of al-Jazzar. It is the second most beautiful mosque in Israel (after the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, of course). The design feature is called the green dome and minaret.

• Bahai park. In the center of this park there is a sacred place for the followers of the rather young Baha'i faith, namely the temple-mausoleum with the burial place of Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of this religion.

Beaches. Which is better

Akko is located on the Mediterranean coast, so if you want to sunbathe, swim, and see the sights, then you are here. All the beaches in Acre are sandy, which is good news for those who don't like pebbles. There are pebble beaches just north of Akko, but that's a completely different story.

The most famous and popular beaches in the city are Tmarim and Argaman. Moreover, both beaches are paid for tourists.

Since I was in Akko in March, on the beach I could only wet my feet a little and admire the blue of the sea. I didn’t manage to swim and sunbathe, so I, alas, cannot afford to evaluate the infrastructure of these beaches. But I heard from friends that if you really want to enjoy a beach holiday, then it’s better to go to Haifa, where the beaches are free and the coast with the sea is cleaner.

Churches and temples. Which are worth a visit

Due to the fact that in Akko for many centuries there was a mixture of different cultures and traditions, it is quite natural that sacred places were built on the territory of the city for a wide variety of religions, including Christianity.

• Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George. It is considered the first Orthodox church on the territory of Acre, which was built during the Turkish rule in the 17th century. At first, there was a Crusader church on the site of the Orthodox Church, but it was destroyed in the 13th century, and only 400 years later a new building was built.

• Church of St. John the Baptist. It is located near the Akko lighthouse and belongs to the Franciscan order. It is not known exactly when the shrine was built, but a document was found in the northern part of the building, where the date is 1737. Now it is the only Catholic church in the city.

• Church of St. Andrew. It belongs to the Greek Orthodox community. It is believed that the shrine was built in the 18th century on the ruins of a Crusader-era temple. The church is located in the southwestern part of Akko.

Museums. Which are worth a visit

• The Okashi Art Museum is a very unusual museum that you can find in old Akko next to the Knights' Caves. There are exhibitions of Israeli artists, but I was lucky enough to visit the permanent exhibition of the works of the artist Avshalom Okashi. He lived most of his life in Akko, where he painted his most significant works. In his paintings you can see different moments from the life of Acre, its inhabitants, as well as local architecture and nature. The museum's opening hours differ between summer and winter, but are usually open Sunday through Thursday from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm and are closed on Saturday and public holidays. A ticket costs 12.5 USD (45 shekels) for an adult, and 9 USD (35 shekels) for children. Unfortunately, the museum does not have a website, so all the information can be found on the spot.

• The Akko Underground Museum was built during the Ottoman rule on the basis of a Crusader fortress founded in the 12th century. In this place, a permanent exhibition is held, which is dedicated to the circumstances of the imprisonment of members of underground organizations, their stay in prison, as well as the history of the invasion and hanging of prisoners. Doesn't sound very cheerful, does it? But when I visited the museum, I liked the fact that its employees are trying so carefully to preserve local history. I was also struck by how everything is ordered and chronologically accurate in it. The museum is open from Sunday to Thursday from 8:30 to 16:30. On Friday, Saturday, the evenings of the beginning of the holidays and public holidays it is closed. A ticket for an adult will cost you 2.7 USD (10 shekels), and for a child 1 USD (5 shekels). Details can be found on the website.

parks

Two kilometers north of Acre is a stunningly beautiful park, which is called the Bahai. In addition to being very well-groomed and green, it is also notable for the fact that in its center there is a temple-mausoleum with the tomb of Baha'u'llah (I wrote about this a little higher). Followers of this religion turn their hearts and faces towards the temple daily during prayers.

On the territory of the park there is not only a temple-mausoleum, but also the estate of Baha'u'llah, the area of ​​​​which is more than 740 square meters. meters. Here he lived for the last 12 years of his life. All paths lead to the center of the garden - the temple. The gardens themselves were created and maintained with particular attention to environmental issues.

I happened to visit here during my trip in March. In addition to the fact that you can take a bunch of wonderful pictures in this garden, it also has very clean air due to the presence of many trees and shrubs. It is nice to take a walk in it after dinner and admire the beautiful views of the cities. So, if you have time, be sure to check it out!

You can visit this place on any day: the inner terraces, spread out on the territory of the temple and around the tomb of Baha'u'llah, are open from Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 12:00; external terraces, namely the territory of the garden itself, are open from 09:00 to 16:00 daily.

tourist streets

Here I would rather talk about the tourist street, and not about the streets. So, the main street of the old city and, accordingly, the most tourist area of ​​the city is Market Street. It runs from north to south of Acre.

During the time of the Crusaders, the Bazaar Road led from the Hospitaller Gate in the north, along the route of the White Bazaar to the port. Now on this street there is the brightest and noisiest bazaar in Acre.

Numerous stalls and shops with products, fragrant spices and colorful souvenirs nestled along the bazaar. Walking along this street will undoubtedly show you the modern city from its historical side, as well as show you the real Middle Eastern flavor.

What to see in 1 day

In principle, to see all the sights of Akko, two or three days will be enough for you. Therefore, in one day you can do a lot and a little more :). My ideal route (through the old town and a little further) would look like this:

• After waking up, having breakfast and getting ready at about 9 o'clock in the morning, the first thing I would do is to inspect the walls of the old city that surround it from the sea and from the land. Previously, observation towers with cannons were located on the walls, but now it is just a kind of border between the old and the new city. From there you can admire the amazing view of the Mediterranean Sea and feed the birds. An hour is enough to enjoy the sea air and shake up your breakfast a little.

• At 10 am, I would go to see the Templar tunnel, 350 meters long, all in the same place in the old city, which connected the unpreserved fortress of the order in the west with the seaport in the east. The tunnel is perfectly preserved to this day. Its lower part is carved into the rock, and the upper part is built of stones with a semicircle vault. Here you will spend at least an hour and a half, especially if you book an excursion.

• Having got out of the tunnel around 11.30-12.00 in the morning, I would go to admire the majestic al-Jezzar mosque nearby. It has survived to this day in amazing condition. The building is a prime example of Ottoman architecture in Israel. Taking a picture next to the mosque and walking inside it will take you no more than 45 minutes.

• By 12.45-13.00 I would probably have worked up an appetite, so I would have gone looking for a place to have lunch. Personally, I dined at the fish restaurant Uri Buri, which is located a little in northern Akko and is considered one of the oldest fish restaurants in the city. In general, since Akko is a port, it is famous for its fish and seafood. Therefore, you can choose any restaurant you like in the old town and enjoy your meal. Let's set it aside for about an hour.

• Around 14.00 I would go with renewed vigor to explore the famous inns of Akko in the old city. The courtyard consists of four large khans (khana is a two-story square building). It is lined with stone and there are two-tiered galleries around it. One of the main features of this place is the high clock tower. An hour of time is enough for a walk inside the courtyard and sightseeing.

• At 15.00 I would go to look at the beauty of the Bahai Park, which is located 2 km from the city itself, but if you took a guide, then the trip to get there will take you no more than half an hour. I wrote about the Bahai Gardens and its sights above, I will only add that this place is stunningly beautiful, so if you are in doubt whether to go there or not, definitely choose the option to go. Together with the round trip and a walk in the garden, I estimate that you will return to the old city around 17.00.

• After the Bahai Park, I would return to the old city and leave an hour for a walk around the Turkish Bazaar, where you can buy a bunch of all sorts of amenities for yourself and your friends. Well, just enjoy the local atmosphere, it's very cool, trust me :). By 18.00 you will be free.

• Well, in the end, closer to 18.00-19.00, I would go closer to the sea to look at the fiery red Mediterranean sunset. This sight will amaze you and make you want to return to this city again and again, I'm sure! After admiring the sunset, you can simply walk around the city in the evening and return to the hotel or hostel for dinner.

What to see in the surroundings

23 km from Akko is the third largest city in Israel, which is located on the slopes of Mount Carmel, -. It is worth going to Haifa separately for at least a couple of days, because, of course, it does not have as many historical sights as in Akko, but it also has something to stare at.

For example, I was in the Bahai Gardens (yes, they are also in Haifa) and was simply fascinated by its size and terraced views. In addition, I visited the local zoo, which, of course, is not very big, but if you are traveling with children, then they will definitely like it. You can get to these two places either by a direct bus that runs from Akko to Haifa, or by high-speed train.

In addition, Haifa has a beautiful promenade with a gorgeous beach and a bunch of restaurants that literally dot the coast. Don't forget to bring your swimsuit!

Food. What to try

Food in Akko is as delicious as in all of Israel, if you are a Middle Eastern food lover, of course. Since Akko is a port city, the main local feature in terms of gastronomy is fish and sea delicacies. So, if you like fresh oysters and mouth-watering baked trout, you should visit local cafes.

If you are not a fan of marine reptiles, then in the Turkish bazaar you can easily taste the local hot hummus, and in other cities of Israel it is served cold, but here it is hot. It is sometimes also added with fried minced lamb, and it's just incredible yummy! Hummus will definitely be served with a few plates of pickles and hot pita, so if you suddenly worry that you won’t be able to eat, don’t :).

Well, and, of course, in Akko you can try falafel and shawarma, which is prepared here surprisingly tasty and unrealistically plentiful. So you definitely won't go hungry :).

Holidays

All major celebrations and events of interest to tourists in Akko take place in the old city. Every year it hosts 3 festivals, which, it seems to me, could quite interest you:

• Olive Festival - the event takes place around the same period as the previous festival (October-November) during the olive harvest. At this time, Akko hosts just hundreds of different entertainment events for tourists, including musical shows, participation in the collection of olives, local fairs, master classes, dance performances, etc. Also, exhibitions of works by artists and photographers are held throughout the area, excursions to nearby nature reserves and much more. I don't know about you, but I think it sounds incredibly interesting!

• The Israeli Opera Festival is usually held in August at the Hospitaller Castle in the old city of Acre. In addition to watching a film about ancient Acre, during the festival, you can enjoy listening to famous operas such as The Marriage of Figaro or Don Giovanni. Every year the program of the festival changes, but there are a few especially famous works, such as these, which always cause a storm of applause from the public. If I manage to come to Akko in August, I will never miss this event, although I am not a fan of opera, but it is always nice to touch art :).

Safety. What to watch out for

Since the bulk of the population in Akko are Arabs (especially in the historical part of the city), girls should always be on the alert and, if possible, wear closed clothes. Above, I mentioned that if you are still going to go only with a women's team, for example, two friends (like us), then you should behave modestly and don’t look around too much. The local population considers any sloppy look as a call to action, so it's better to just pretend not to hear or see anything, from the series "I don't understand yours."

If you are going on a trip to Akko with a group or accompanied by men, then there is nothing to fear, but I still would not recommend going for a walk at night. If you linger in some place for a while and take a taxi to go home, be sure to ask the driver to turn on the meter, otherwise it will be too late when you see a multi-million dollar bill :).

Generally Akko – not a party city, so you won’t be able to go out especially to bars or clubs. But you still have to be careful, especially in the market, where there are not that many pickpockets, but when buying something you can be perfectly scammed. So, from buying fruit to buying a Persian carpet for your grandmother, be sure to bargain and never settle for the first price. It is usually overestimated, especially for pale-faced people, by two or three times. Personally, it is always difficult for me to overcome shyness and excitement, it seems to be indecent to somehow beg for a price, but, believe me, it is necessary.

Things to do

Besides walking around the old city, visiting various sights, and eating various shellfish, there really isn't much to do in Acre. For those who come to lie on the local beach, I can advise you to do some active sports, and, for example, go on a yacht or skydive. In addition, water skiing is popular here, but I remind you that Akko is a touristic and very calm city, so it’s better to go to the center of the country for extreme relaxation.

If you are a lover of natural beauty, then in the center of the Akko Valley, not far from the city of Kiryat Bialik, is the Ein Afek Nature Reserve, opened in 1979. There are a lot of lakes in this place, and there is also a water mill built in 1148 by the Templars. From the hill, located in the reserve, you can enjoy a stunning view of Mount Carmel. Also in this place you can have a small picnic, for this there are specially equipped areas.

Shopping and shops

A separate type of entertainment in Akko is a trip to local markets. There are three of them here, and they are located in the old city: the busiest and most crowded is located on Market Street, another one is the Turkish Bazaar in the very center of old Akko and the White Bazaar nestled next to the all-Jazzar mosque. All these markets are incredibly colorful and colorful, so if you want to bring something unusual and memorable to your friends and family, then go for a walk at least one of them. Here you will find everything from fruits and food to various home decorations and handicrafts. In addition, in these markets you can take a bunch of bright photos, which will then be nice to look at in the cold winter, sitting by the fireplace :). Markets are open all week until 17-18 hours, and even longer on festival days. And don't forget to bargain! :)

If you want to look for souvenirs in the shops, they are open from Sunday to Thursday from about 9:00 to 19:00, and on Friday - until lunch. It is better to buy clothes and shoes in shopping centers, which are also open on Saturdays and public holidays. Among the large malls, one can single out the shopping center of the Azrieli chain, where about 90 fashion stores with clothes and shoes at affordable prices are concentrated. It is located near the old city on HaHaroshet Street, you can get to it by bus or walk from the old city.

Bars. Where to go

As I said, bar breaks are not very popular in Akko, but you can still find places where you can sit and chat over a glass of wine or a pint of beer.

• One of the most famous places in the city is the 7 Days bar, which is located in the depths of the old city. This establishment has a rather interesting selection of cocktails, and they always have fresh pastries and strong coffee (well, suddenly, you want to take a nap at the bar in the evening) :).

• Another popular place among the locals is Leale al-Sultan, this bar is decorated in Turkish style, so you are guaranteed a Thousand and One Nights atmosphere. This is rather not an alcohol-oriented establishment, but there you will definitely be offered to smoke a hookah with a cup of fragrant tea, as well as play backgammon. I went there with my girlfriend during our trip in March, and as we are both passionate hookah lovers, we enjoyed it immensely.

If you really want to plunge into the atmosphere of bar life, then better go to Haifa. Just 20 minutes and there you will find a more relaxed atmosphere with a bunch of bars and pubs right on the beach line.

Clubs and nightlife

Despite the fact that Akko is a tourist city, nightlife here exists more within the framework of hotel entertainment than truly independent establishments. The city has one very popular disco among tourists, which is located inside the architectural monument of Khan Al-Umdan in the old city. In the daytime it is a historical landmark, and at night it is a place for incendiary dances under the eastern sky. The style of music that local DJs play there is popular European, so if you are a fan, then be sure to visit this place for the sake of interest.

Near Akko there is the city of Nahariya, where the Para institution opens at night with more interesting musical accompaniment (reggae, pop, house). For a vibrant nightlife, head to Haifa, where you will definitely find something to your liking.

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

I didn’t bring special souvenirs from Akko, because I knew that I could buy it, both in the market "", and in the market in the old city in Jerusalem. Local markets sell all the most traditional Israeli souvenirs: spices, various Jewish symbols, icons, Armenian ceramics, red threads on the wrists, oriental-style clothes and even carpets. It all depends on your imagination, financial capabilities and space in your backpack. Personally, I only had enough for a magnet with the image of Akko.

How to move around the city

Inside the city itself, it is best to travel either by bus or on foot. Almost all bus routes are operated by Egged, the bus schedule can be found on its website. Buses that travel to Akko from other cities stop at two places: directly opposite the railway station (David Remez Street) and at the bus station on HaArbaa Street. Here you can buy a ticket for any bus around the city (1.6 USD or 5.90 shekels one way) or purchase a Rav-Kav magnetic card, which will come in handy during a long stay in the country. You can learn about it and its capabilities from the guide, but if you came for a week or two, then you should not bother.

Also, ordinary yellow minibuses or Moniyot Sherut drive around the city, which are convenient to ride around Akko and its environs, because the driver stops at any place convenient for you. It's also a great way to get around on weekends and holidays when regular buses don't run. Such minibuses cost a little more than a bus, starting from 7 shekels and further, depending on the duration of the trip.

Taxi. What features exist

Taxis in Akko can be caught both on the street and ordered in the GetTaxi app. Hotels also have a taxi service at the request of the vacationer, but it is usually much easier and easier to do it yourself. If you're hailing a taxi on the street, be sure to ask the driver to turn on the meter to make sure he doesn't overcharge you. The price of a trip when boarding a taxi (the first 83 seconds or 559.45 meters) is already about 4 USD (13.80 shekels) and further, depending on the duration of the trip. For each subsequent 12 seconds or 90.09 meters of travel, 0.3 shekels are charged until a distance of 15 km is reached. Over 15 km for every 12 seconds or 75.14 is charged at 0.3 shekels.

If you order a taxi through the application, then here you can already specify in the settings how exactly you want to pay - in cash or by credit card. The cost of the trip remains the same: from 4 USD (13.80 shekels) and further on the counter. I would advise you to order a taxi through the application, so I feel more reliable and secure.

Transport rental

Renting a car in Akko is only worth it if you intend to travel outside the city, because the city itself is too small and it is much easier to use public transport. As I wrote earlier, if you are driving to Akko by car from Tel Aviv, then it is also better for you to rent a car to admire the surroundings. But other than that, you won't need it at all. Just in case, renting a car in Akko will cost you, depending on the type and class of the car, from 21 to 125 USD (from 76 to 450 shekels) per day.

You can see the options at.

Akko - holidays with children

Children in Akko will be interested in the eastern markets, as well as climbing inside the fortress in the old city, which Napoleon even tried to capture, but he did not succeed. In the old town, you can also ride a pony or in a horse-drawn carriage, which will certainly delight young riders. But it is better not to go to Akko with children during the high season, otherwise this tourist trip in the scorching sun will be a real punishment for them.

Another interesting place for children is Extreme Park, there are climbing walls and bungee, so here they will definitely have fun while you walk through the historical back streets of Akko. The park is located on Shalom HaGalil Street. You can look at it for details.

Have something to add?

Akko a city in Western Galilee. It is located approximately 20 km north of the city of Haifa and 140 km from the international airport. Ben Gurion.

The city is located on the Mediterranean coast.

It is included in the UNESCO heritage list.

Founded around 1500 BC

The population is 50 thousand people.

The city of Akko is located in the northern part of the coastal valley, which is also called the Akko Valley. Its northern border is the agricultural settlement of Bustan ha-Galil, while in the south it extends to the Neaman stream.

Akko has beautiful beaches. This is the northernmost point on the coast, where you will find soft sand that is brought into the Mediterranean Sea from the Nile that flows into it.

Acre is one of the cities in Israel with a history spanning over 4,000 years. Akko was located at the crossroads of trade routes and has always been the center of history. Akko was a meeting point for many diverse cultures and was of great strategic importance as it was located on a peninsula. This is one of the few cities on the Mediterranean coast, the fortress walls of which have been preserved without damage, with the exception of two gaps, which are currently used as entry gates for transport.

Old Akko has many faces, its cultural layers have been preserved almost completely.

The first mention of Acre refers to 1456 BC The city was conquered by the Egyptians, then was under the rule of the Hittites. In the XIII century. BC. Akko again came under the dominion of the Egyptians. IN 701 BC The city was taken by the Assyrians. In 333 BC. Akko was conquered by Alexander the Great and turned into a Greek colony. After the death of Alexander the Great and the collapse of his empire, the city alternately passed from the Greeks to the Egyptians, then to the Seleucids, then had the status of a free Greek city. Acre was later annexed to the Roman Empire. During the Roman period, Acre greatly outgrew the boundaries of the Old City and prospered.

IN 638 Acre was captured by the Arabs. Under their rule, a large port for those times was built in the city.

IN 1104 The city was conquered by the crusaders. Most of the cultural monuments for which the city is currently famous are associated with the period of their rule. Under the crusaders, the city becomes the capital of the Kingdom of Jerusalem and receives powerful defensive structures. The city was named Saint-Jean d'Acre. Military knightly orders - the Teutons, the Templars, the Hospitallers - had their own quarters in the city.

IN 1291 In the year the city passes under the hand of the Mamluks, who, taking advantage of the civil strife taking place in the city, took it by storm. The Mamluks destroyed the city and massacred most of the population. The city was restored only by the middle of the XIV century.

IN 1517 Acre is conquered by the Ottoman Turks under the command of Selim I. Under the Ottomans, the city began to rebuild and develop. In the 18th century, the city became the capital of Galilee and a fortress was built there.

The city loses its strategic importance only by the end of the 19th century, after the construction of railways between Damascus and Beirut, Beirut and Haifa.

IN 1918 In the year the English troops, who fought against the Turks, occupied the city. In the future, they ruled it under the Mandate for Palestine. The city was turned into the administrative center of the northern district.

According to the plan for the partition of Palestine, Akko was supposed to go to the Arab state, however May 14, 1948 during the Arab-Israeli war, Acre was occupied by the Israeli army, and approximately 8 of the 12 thousand Arabs living there fled to neighboring Arab countries.

Shortly after the war, Akko begins to develop rapidly outside the walls. Many repatriates settle in the city. In the mid-1960s, Jews left the old city because of the difficult living conditions there and moved to the new one. The old city soon turns into a center of tourism.

Today Akko is the administrative center of the Western Galilee, it has branches and departments of ministries, public institutions and courts.

Four religions have found refuge and left their mark in Akko: there are Jewish synagogues, luxurious churches in Christian areas, large mosques, as well as a garden where Baha Ullah, the founder of the Baha'i religion, is buried, and Beit Aboud.

Akko is characterized good weather throughout almost the whole year, this city has beautiful beaches, an anchorage for boats and a fishing port. It is a city with a rich history; Every lane has a past, and the atmosphere of freedom and romance reigns in the city.

Attractions Akko

Al-Jazar Mosque

This is the largest mosque in Akko and the largest in Israel, except for the mosques in Jerusalem. The mosque was built in honor of the ruler of the city, Ahmed Al-Jazar. It was erected on the ruins of the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, which in turn was built on the site of the ancient "Sixth Day" Mosque. Today it is one of the most beautiful mosques in the Galilee. Inside, the building is decorated with blue and brown frescoes, and its floor is covered with huge Persian carpets. Particles of the beard of the prophet Mohammed are stored here, which are shown to the public only on the 27th day of the month of Ramadan. At the entrance to the mosque, a twin building was built, in which the graves of Al-Jazar and his adopted son, the heir Suleiman Pasha, are located.

magic garden

During the Crusader period, the magical garden was located in the northern part of the city, adjacent to the wall. To the east of the garden stood the royal palace of the Crusaders in Akko, and to the west a military fortress - the monastery of the Hospitallers - the Order of St. John. During the Ottoman period, a fortress was built on the remains of the Hospitaller monastery and the garden became part of the gardens of the Pasha's private palace. In 1799, a battle was fought in the garden between Napoleon's soldiers and the defenders of the city.

Fortress of the Knights Hospitaller

The Hospitallers are a military monastic order that was involved in the treatment of the sick in the Holy Land and the protection of pilgrims who came to visit holy places. The order operated hospitals in Jerusalem and Acre. The Hospitallers, who had their own quarter in the city, moved their headquarters from Jerusalem to Akko and built a fortress here. The buildings of this complex were two- and three-story, they were located around the central courtyard; there were also underground parts - water reservoirs and a sewer system. Excavations of the fortress are still ongoing. The area of ​​the complex is approximately 23 thousand sq.m. Visitors can see the knights' halls, the dining room, the prisoner's hall, public toilets from the time of the crusaders, the courtyard of the fortress, the street from the Kroestnos era and the secret passage.

Knights' halls - under the fortress and the Akko prison during excavations in 1954-63. an impressive underground complex of the 11th-12th centuries, the era of the Crusaders, was discovered. The complex consists of six halls, a dungeon supported by 18 massive columns of the Great Ceremonial Hall and a smaller elegant Dining Hall. An underground tunnel leads to the Dining Hall. The rest of the structure is the ruins of a Gothic temple. In the 7th and 8th centuries, on top of the Knights' Halls, the Ottoman authorities built palaces and office buildings, which were then turned into a prison by the British.

Drain tunnel

This tunnel, built back in the time of the Persians and connecting the Akko fortress with the city sewer, was turned by the crusaders into an important strategic object. They increased the length and height of the ceilings. They also built a branch 60 meters long, which at the end was again connected to the main tunnel. From the entrance to the tunnel there are two branches: a low Persian tunnel and a high one built by the Crusaders. After the connection, the low tunnel of the Persians continues. The tunnel was used by the crusaders during the construction of the refectory. The entrance to the tunnel at the time of the Crusaders was outside near the southern wall of the refectory on the street, through a rectangular well. This well, filled with stones, was also discovered by archaeologists during excavations on the same street. In ancient times, this unique structure served as an important underground passage. The tunnel connects the north wall and the seaport to the south.

Hamam Al-Basha

The Turkish baths complex was built by order of Ahmed Al-Jazar in 1795 on the ruins of the Crusader baths. After restoration in 1954, the municipal museum was housed in the premises of Hammam. It lasted until 1990. Hammam Al-Basha is currently hosting a fascinating multimedia show that introduces visitors to the history of the city. The premises of the Hammam, lined with expensive marble, are located around the same marble fountain. The octagonal hot tub is located near the furnace with the heating boiler. Each room is decorated with a dome. The marble-clad structure is adorned with granite columns and lined with colorful ceramics brought from Damascus and Anatolia.

Genoa Square

The area is in the shape of a triangle. The architecture surrounding the square belongs mainly to the era of the Crusaders. Here is the house of Aboud (named after one of the owners) - a holy place for adherents of the Baha'i faith. The house was handed over to Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the Baha'i faith, and was inherited by his family. This building immediately catches the eye with its blue windows. Another building overlooking the square is the Arts Center.

Fortified walls of Acre

The fortress wall protecting the city is often erroneously attributed to the era of the Crusaders. However, it was built much later. The wall system was built in three stages. The first wall was completed in 1750. It was a thin wall, only a meter thick, surrounding Akko from the land side and from the sea. Its height was from 10 to 13 meters. There were only two gates in the wall. The construction of new walls continued during the time of Al Jazzar. At this time, new walls were erected and the old walls were fortified, and a canal was dug between them. In 1799, the fortress withstood the siege of Napoleon's army. But even after that, the strengthening of the walls continued. Construction ended only in 1801. This is today's walls of Acre. Four gates lead to the fortress.

Inns of Acre (Khana)

Khan al-Umdan - this inn, built in 1784 by order of Al-Jazar near the harbor, is the largest inn in Israel. Khan al-Umdan is a spacious square surrounded by a two-story gardere, supported by numerous vaulted columns. A clock tower rises above the entrance portal, erected in honor of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the reign of Sultan Abdul-Hamid II.

Khan al-Farandzhi - was built by French merchants on the site of the central square of the Venetian quarter. This is the most ancient khan that has survived to this day. It is named after the French merchants who built it and lived in it. Today, in the northeastern part of the khan, there is a church and a Franciscan school.

Khan a-Shuarda - not so long ago the khan was restored. Today it houses several restaurants and cafes. Once it was the only workshop in Akko for the production and repair of boats in the traditional way, but after the restoration of the khan, the workshop was closed. In the southeast side of the khan there is a crusader tower, the only one that has been almost completely preserved in its original form.

Khan a-Shuna - the khan has been in a ruined and abandoned state for many decades. It consists of a rectangular courtyard 20 by 40 meters. Around the courtyard were warehouses, rooms for living. There were several rooms that were used for trading shops and overlooked the outer side of the khan. The living quarters on the northern and western sides consisted of two rooms, and on the eastern side only one. Most of the khan was destroyed during the time of Al-Jazzar.

Acre Harbor

In 1982, the harbor was converted into a yacht pier - Marina. The results of the excavations indicate that the ancient harbor was originally located at the mouth of the Naaman stream. In the 5th century BC. the port was moved to its current location, where it grew during the periods of Greek and Roman rule, and then, a millennium later, was completed and expanded with the arrival of the crusaders. The symbol of Akko Harbor is the "Tower of Beelzebub" (Philistian deity) - a small fortified structure erected on the shallows at the entrance to the bay.

Venetian Square

The area is located north of Akko Harbour. An impressive bell tower dominates the square. The square was built by the Venetians who returned to the city after the completion of the Muslim occupation of the 13th century.

Ha-Ramchal Synagogue (Tree of Life Synagogue)

This small, very beautiful building owes its name to the famous Jewish thinker. The house was confiscated from its owner and given to the Jewish community by the Bedouin ruler of the Galilee, Sheikh Dahar al-Omar. The construction of the building dates back to the era of the Crusaders. According to tradition, Ramchal, who lived in Akko in the middle of the 18th century, prayed in this synagogue.

Tunisian Synagogue Or Torah

Built in honor of the ancient Jewish synagogue in Djerba, Tunisia. All four floors of the building, both inside and outside, are decorated with magnificent mosaics (from Kibbutz Ayalon); these mosaic panels were created over 54 years. They are entirely composed of hundreds of millions of natural stones collected in Israel. The synagogue has 7 halls of the Torah. There are also beautiful stained glass windows. The mosaics and stained-glass windows that adorn the synagogue tell the story of the Jewish people and Israel, from the exit of the forefather Abraham from Urkesh to the Yom Kippur War.

Saraya

The word "saraya" means "castle" in Turkish. This is the building that housed the Turkish authorities of Akko, it was built at the end of the 18th century, and it housed the offices of the officials of the Turkish civil authorities. The gate at the entrance to the building is simply luxurious - they are built in the Mamluk architectural style, which is called "ablac". This is a two-story building, it is built around a central courtyard, lined with stone. The building of the Ottoman Saraya was built on the ruins of the temple of John the Baptist, which was located here in the era of the Crusaders.

Tomb of Baha'u'llah

Bahaji - is a holy place for Baha'is around the world. Baha'u'llah, the founder of the Baha'i religion, lived here for the last 12 years of his life. Here he was buried. There are two historical buildings on the territory of the object: the estate and the temple of Baha'u'llah. The Temple of Baha'u'llah is the place of his burial. The followers of this religion turn their hearts and faces in the direction of this temple daily during the offering of certain prayers, and strive to make a pilgrimage here at least once in their lives. This place was known as Bahaji or El-Bahaji, which means "Place of Happiness" even before Baha'u'llah settled here.

Churches in Akko

Church of St. George - Greek Orthodox Church was the first Christian church built in Akko during the Turkish rule. The first evidence that has come down to us from this period concerns the existence of a Greek Orthodox monastery and temple in Akko - the testimony of the monk Eugene Roger, who visited Akko in 1631. 35 years later, the doctor Gabriel Bremont from Marseille visited Acre. Bremont wrote that the Greek Orthodox church, which was then (1666) called the Church of St. Nicholas, was restored by Fakher El-Din and became the most beautiful of the churches of Acre.

Church of St. Andrew - in the 18th century, among Orthodox Christians in Eastern countries (including Palestine), the tendency to accept the Pope as the head of the church prevailed. Against this background, a Greek Catholic community began to form in Acre. This community settled in the southwestern part of the city and a community church was built for them on the ruins of the Church of the Apostle Andrew, which, in turn, was built in the era of the Crusaders.

Church of John the Baptist - next to the lighthouse of the city of Acre is the temple of John the Baptist, owned by the Catholic Church (Franciscans). It is not clear when this church was built, but a few years ago an inscription carved in stone was discovered on the north wall, which indicates the year 1737. The church was restored in 1947. It is currently the only Catholic church in Acre.

Maronite Church - located in the southwestern part of the city, near the church of St. Andrew and the monastery of Notre Dame de Nazareth. The Maronites were expelled from Acre during the Crusades. They returned to the city only during the reign of Fakhr El-Din II. He allowed them to repair their temple, which was then called the church of St. Nicholas.

Caffarelli's grave

General Caffarelli was a military engineer, he accompanied Napoleon during his campaign in Palestine. He enjoyed great popularity in the army - the soldiers affectionately called him "Daddy on crutches" (4 years before that, the general had lost his left leg, which prevented him from fulfilling his duties) - he was also a personal friend of Napoleon Bonaparte. He died during the siege of Acre. Caffarelli's grave was discovered only in 1969 on the territory where the agricultural college "Yad Nathan" is currently located. Once a year, in November, the French embassy holds a ceremony at this site to commemorate the signing of the ceasefire at the end of the First World War and a ceremony honoring the unknown soldier.

Museums in Akko

The Okashi Museum is a museum named after the artist Avshalom Okashi, who belongs to the New Horizons movement. This is a unique museum of contemporary art, located in a building from the time of the Ottoman rule. The expositions in the museum change every 3 months.

Underground Museum - the complex is located above the fortress of the Hospitallers. Ottoman era building. Then the palace of Pasha El-Jazar was located here. During the British mandate, there was a prison here, from where 9 prisoners - members of the Jewish underground - went up to the gallows. The exposition of the museum is dedicated to the activities of the Jewish resistance before the establishment of the State of Israel: the organizations "Etzel", "Agana" and "Lehi".

Ethnographic Museum - offers a journey through the Galilee two hundred years ago and shows how people lived in Acre and in the Galilee at that time. The exposition of the museum is a Galilean market of the 18th-19th centuries, with its artisans, their tools and products, and market traders are also shown. This museum is located in the thickness of an ancient wall, which is about 60 meters wide, which adds a special charm to the museum.

Akko Markets

Due to the fact that Acre was located at the crossroads of trade routes, and was also one of the main seaports of that period, it was a very important international trade center of those times, especially during the time of the Crusaders. Several bazaars were built in Akko, one of which was in the port, especially for merchants from across the sea. During the Turkish rule, new markets were opened, of which the Turkish bazaar, built on the orders of Al-Jazar, and the Al-Aviad bazaar (white bazaar) are known.

Turkish Bazaar

The Turkish Bazaar was built at the end of the 18th century as an urban market to meet the needs of the local population. The bazaar was abandoned in 1948, after the city was conquered by the Tsakhal; it has only recently reopened as a small market for artisans and artists. Currently, the market houses small shops specializing in the trade of souvenirs and works of art for tourists.

Souq El Aviad (White Market)

Near the mosque of El-Jazar, a little to the east, is the White Market, which was built by Suleiman Pasha at the end of his reign as governor of Acre. Previously, this place was another market, larger in size. This bazaar was called the bazaar of Daher. There were 110 shops in the old bazaar, and it was, of course, the center of trade in Acre and northern Palestine. One of the last detailed descriptions of this bazaar is a description made by the English scientist John Silk Buckingham, who visited Acre in 1816. And in 1817 there was a fire. About ten people died and were injured in the crash, the building itself was badly damaged and the fire that spread throughout the bazaar caused great damage. In the same year, the charred ruins of the market were destroyed and a new market was built in their place, which still exists today. The walls of the market and its sixty-four shops were whitewashed, which gave the market its name. The White Market is located in a very sunny place; maybe that's why the people of Akko still call him "White". The street and the bazaar were planned as a whole. The bazaar is a vaulted building above the street, with small barrel vaulted shops. High vaults in the center, openings and light all add lightness and attractiveness to the bazaar. During Turkish rule, there was only one entrance to the city. Then the road went straight through the bazaar towards the mosque and the fortress. It was one of the most important roads in Acre. The road and the bazaar lost their significance during the laying of a new entrance to the city in the northern wall.

The renovation of the bazaar has recently begun, and once completed, many of the shops will turn into shops selling soft drinks and light snacks.

market street

Market Street is the main street in the Old Town and runs from south to north. In the era of the Crusaders, the street led from the Hospitaller Gate in the north, along the market or the Royal Road (Via Regis) to the port. Currently, the central market of Old Akko is located along the street - a colorful bazaar with many shops selling fish, oriental sweets, perfumes and original spices.

Restaurants and cafes in Akko

Akko offers a wide variety of restaurants for tourists looking for a culinary experience....

Restaurant "Uri Buri"- located on the embankment in the Old City, on the square near the lighthouse. Gourmet restaurant - specializes in fish dishes and seafood.

Restaurant "Abu Cristo"- located in the Old City, in the fishing port. Oriental restaurant specializing in fish dishes.

Restaurant "Galileo"- located in the Old City, in the port of Pisa. Specialization - fish dishes.

Restaurant "Ahim Ouda"- V East restaurant, located on the territory of the inn "El-Faraj", in the center of the market of the Old City; The restaurant offers a variety of fish and seafood dishes.

Restaurant "Diniana"- Oriental meat and fish restaurant. Located in the port of Pisa, next to the lighthouse.

Restaurant "Abu-Suhil"- specialization of the restaurant - hummus. Located in the Old City.

Hummus Said Restaurant- a restaurant specializing in hummus in the Old Town, next to the market.

Abu Elias Restaurant- in the Old Town, specialization - hummus.

Mor u-Kinamon Restaurant- a restaurant specializing in meat and fish dishes; strict observance of kashrut. Groups of up to 120 people are also accepted.

Restaurant "Shipudey Sami ha-Gadol"- a kosher meat restaurant located in the new part of the city (opposite the central bus station "Egeda"). Suitable for receiving groups.

Restaurant "Hashalom"- a kosher oriental restaurant located in the new part of the city.

Ram Restaurant is a kosher catering restaurant and you can order pre-cooked meals on trays.

Restaurant "Ha-Lehem weha-Dagim"- a meat and fish restaurant located on the waterfront of Akko.

Ha-Hof Ha-Maaravi Restaurant- Oriental restaurant, no alcohol for sale. The restaurant specializes in fish dishes and other seafood.

Restaurant "Kaf ha-Zahav"- a cozy oriental restaurant in the Old Town.

Saraya Restaurant- Oriental restaurant specializing in meat and fish dishes.