THE OLD CITY OF AKKO INVITES YOU TO DISCOVER ITS SECRETS ABOVEGROUND AND BELOW
Old Akko (Acre) is a port city situated on a peninsula on the Mediterranean coast in northern Israel. It is known for its well-preserved old city walls. A visit to this ancient city is an important part of the Holy Land experience and one of Israel’s main tourist destinations. Currently home to thousands of residents, Akko is a study of contrasts – the convergence of East and West, modernity and antiquity, beauty and ruins. Known for centuries as the gateway to the Holy Land due to its location as a port of entry for international dignitaries and trade, Akko provides a unique glimpse into the Crusader and Ottoman periods in the region. The subterranean crusader city was revealed and restored under the Ottoman city above. This extraordinary phenomenon was .awarded World Heritage Site by UNESCO A 5,000-year old story unfolds inside the halls of the citadel - the museum’ displays and films projected on the walls tell the story of the crusades. During this tour, each visitor receives a headset, and can choose one of 10 different languages. The Hospitaller Fortress POINTS OF INTEREST: The Knights’ Kingdom The Hospitaller Order, which thrived in Jerusalem during the First Crusader Kingdom (1099-1187) transferred its headquarters to Akko during the Second Crusader Kingdom (1191-1291). The
Hospitallers expanded their headquarters and rebuilt the site, which consisted of two to three floors around a central court as well as underground sections. The Templars Tunnel The Templars were a military-monastic order who – in the name of the pope – aided pilgrims and the ailing coming from Europe to visit the holy sites of the Land of Israel. MORE POINTS OF INTEREST: The colorful Market Street and Bazaars are the main thoroughfare of the Old City, running from north to south. One cannot visit the city without tasting the delicious dishes at the wonderful Chef Restaurants and paying a visit at the unique Boutique Hotels. A regular ferry from Akko to Haifa and from Haifa to Akko is a special experience that offers tourists the chance to enjoy the spectacular views of the cities by sea. There are Churches, Mosques and Synagogue in Old Akko. Some of them are opened to visits. The “Or Torah” Synagogue in the new city is a site worth seeing. So is the “Al Basha” Turkish Bath and the Seraya, a structure built during Turkish rule in Akko, in the late 18th century, where the offices of the civilian regime officials were located. It is also recommended to visit the galleries in the Old City and the “Okashi” Art Museum as well as the “Treasures in the Walls” Museum.
OLD AKKO (ACRE) Akko is a city that has been shaped by the Romans, Byzantines, Crusaders, Mamelukes, Ottomans and British, and fittingly is today home to brilliantly coexistent mixed population of Muslims, Jews, Christians, Druze, Baha’i and Armenians. Akko is a study in contrasts - the convergence of east and west, modernity and antiquity, beauty and ruins.
Old Akko, a city of art and fine cuisine In addition to the unique historical sites of Old Akko, it is known as a culinary powerhouse, combining authentic food stalls like Hummus and Falafel alongside fine Chef Restaurants. Throughout the year the city hosts many festivals, exhibitions and cultural music performances as well as new attractions such as: an audio guided tour adapted for children with the “Cool Knight”, an Augmented Reality Experience ‘Adventure in Akko’ and more.
The Bahá’í gardens in Akko, © Bahá’í International Community
Admiral Sir Sidney Smith from the AR Experience ‘Adventure Akko’
For more information on the city of Old Akko: Phone: +972-4-9956-706/7 | www.akko.org.il/en/ Write to us: info@akko.org.il
Israel Travel News • 35
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