Akko is one of oldest cities countries with a continuously continuing history of over 4 thousand years. Situated on the coast mediterranean sea, at the crossroads of trade roads, the city has always been at the center of history and a place where diverse cultures met, as well as a strategically important site during all the military campaigns that took place in the region. Unlike many Israeli cities, Acre did not suffer complete destruction and has preserved many ancient buildings to this day. Akko is the only city of the Crusader era that has survived to this day in exceptional safety.

Akko was first mentioned in 1456 BC, in the list of cities that Thutmose III conquered during his military campaign, among others carved on the walls of the Karnak temple. A later mention dates back to the fourth century BC, in the ancient Egyptian archives found by archaeologists, which contained correspondence between the Canaanite kings. The Biblical Book of Judges mentions Akko during the period of settlement of the Asir tribe, into whose possession the city entered.

Today it is a sunny coastal city with a very bright color, rich history, overflowing with sights both from a historical point of view and from an archaeological and architectural point of view. The old part of the city is listed world heritage UNESCO. The city attracting numerous tourists within its limits is green with many cypresses and eucalyptus trees, the number of which can be compared with the one completely planted with eucalyptus trees. Eucalyptus trees draw moisture from the ground and during the drying up of the swamps, the area was planted with eucalyptus trees, which grow here to this day, drying out the soil during rainy seasons and creating additional shade in the heat.

For inquisitive guests of the country, Akko is just a godsend, the city itself is a landmark, at every step you can see evidence of past times, and the narrow streets of the market, known throughout the north, fascinate and do not let go. Buyers from all over the area come to the local market, which is open all week, including Shabbat: from Haifa, Krayot (suburbs of Haifa), Nahariya and Karmiel, they even come from Rosh Ain and. Moreover, it is far from always that a visit to the market in Akko is conditioned by the need to buy something, more often it is just an attraction that residents of neighboring cities arrange for themselves, especially on Saturday, when nothing works in ordinary cities, in Akko, you can buy a wide variety of goodies , from the freshest fish, freshly caught squids and other marine life, brought and handed over by fishermen from boats 50 meters from the market itself, to sweets and real, fragrant, Arabic coffee brewed right on the street in Turks.

Many families like to just walk along these cobblestone streets, admire the amazingly beautiful Arabic vases, hookahs, Turks, tatami and other outlandish things for a European person, or have a bite to eat in one of the local eateries, where visitors are offered unique hummus, falafel and shawarma in pita. , leaving their everyday problems, worries, work: factories in Haifa and Nesher, Mizra hospitals and galleries in Karmiel. Thirty meters from the market on the pier, small yachts sway on light waves, whose owners are happy to ride those who wish along the coastal waters for a very small fee. I must say that Akko is a very accessible city, both in terms of prices in the market, in shops or for an apartment, and in terms of the hospitality of the local population, who easily and with pleasure make contact.

Leaving the market, on the embankment begins acquaintance with the historical sights of the city - its walls. The system of walls embraced Akko both from the sea and from the land, having withstood Napoleon's siege, the fortifications have a height of 10-13m. and a meter wide. The process of building the walls lasted from 1750 to 1801, and took place in three stages. The first wall was built in just a year, surrounding the entire city from the sea and land, while it could not protect against undermining or stairs. During the government of Al-Jazar, the building of walls and fortification of the city continued, and did not end even after the walls withstood the pressure of Napoleon. Having strengthened the existing walls, Al-Jazzar erected new ones and dug a deep ditch between them, filling it with water. Communication with the city took place through the northwestern and southeastern gates. For the most part, these are the current walls of the city. Cannons were installed on all walls, which shot through any approaches to the city, allowing only military or civilians with special passes to approach the wall.

Within the boundaries of the old city, there is the second most important landmark of the city - the Al-Jazara Mosque, recognized as the second most beautiful in the country, after the Jerusalem Mosque of the Dome of the Rock. The mosque was built in the style of Ottoman architecture, which inherited much from the Persian and Byzantine styles. The green dome and minaret are the hallmark of the Al-Jazzara Mosque, built on the foundations of the Church of the Holy Cross, which stood here during the time of the Crusaders. Erected by order of the Ottoman governor during the year 1781-1782, the mosque has been pleasing with its beauty for centuries both praying Muslims and tourists of other religions admiring its splendor.

One of the most impressive buildings in the old city is the Akko Citadel, located in its northern part, built by the ruler of the city of Dahar el Omar in 1750 on the remains of the Hospitaller fortress. The walls of the Citadel, 40 meters high, served as a palace for the rulers of Akko, and strategic reserves and armories were created in the inner buildings. Later, a prison was located here, in which both Baha'u'llah (the founder of the Baha'i religion) and Zeev Jabotinsky, the founder of the Jewish Legion, a writer and poet who fought during the First World War as part of the British army, were serving their sentences.

The most romantic and mysterious attraction of Acre is the underground Templar Tunnel in the southwestern part of the city. Connecting at one time the fortress of the Templars, now not preserved, but mentioned in the records of the chroniclers of that time, in the west, with the eastern seaport, the tunnel passes under the Pisa quarter and was a strategic object of exceptional importance. total area the tunnel of 350 meters is lit for all its length by the light of dim lamps that are in the water under the floor of the boards. The noise of water against the background of the silence of underground vaults takes the imagination away into the atmosphere of past times. It is noteworthy that the tunnel was discovered absolutely by accident, during repair work in the sewer system, started due to the constant complaints of a woman whose house was located above the tunnel. Discovered in 1994, the tunnel was opened to the public only in 1999, after the tunnel was cleared of dirt, pumps were installed to pump out water, as well as wooden decking and lighting.

Describing the sights of Akko is like trying to count the drops in the sea washing it, here every stone remembers something, and every corner knows something, it’s easier to come and see everything with your own eyes, wander its streets, listen to the cry of merchants and the whisper of trees, chat with its inhabitants and eat local delicacies, ride its waves and absorb its spirit with the crusader wars and the fortress walls.

Old Akko is one of the few cities in the Mediterranean whose fortress walls have been almost completely reconstructed, except for two breaches: today they are used for transport.

BIBLICAL CITY

Akko is mentioned in the Bible only once, but this, as well as numerous archaeological finds, was enough to be considered quite biblical.

Israeli Akko is one of ancient cities Middle East, today - a port on the shores of the Mediterranean Gulf of Haifa. On the opposite side of the bay is visible sacred mountain Prophet Elijah - Carmel.

The plain on which Akko stands was considered one of the most fertile in the Eastern Mediterranean in ancient times, there were many gardens and olive groves.

Historically, Akko was an important point of the ancient trade routes that led to the Levant, to the Jordanian plain and further to Egypt.

The oldest archaeological finds at the site of ancient Akko, which stood at some distance from the sea coast, belong to the early Bronze Age- about 5 thousand years ago. The first mention of Acre is in an Egyptian text dating back to around the 15th century. BC e.

The only time Akko - under this name - is mentioned in the Bible in connection with the Canaanites - the inhabitants of Canaan, who invented an alphabetic letter and were mainly engaged in trade. They called the city Akka and surrounded it with walls of clay and stones. Akko was considered Canaanite, but in fact was one of the Phoenician trading cities of the Eastern Mediterranean. Because of its advantageous position, he was constantly subjected to capture: the Hittites, Egyptians, Assyrians, Persians.

In 333 BC. e. the city was occupied by Alexander the Great, Acre became a Greek colony and was renamed Ptolemais. As Ptolemais Akko is mentioned in the Bible, in the letters of the Apostle Paul, who spent one day in the city.

At the same time, a small Jewish community appeared in Akko. In 330 BC. e. the inhabitants of Akko are moving to new town- to the seashore, and Akko becomes an important port and one of largest cities Hellenistic world, receiving the title of "Key to the Levant".

In 52-54 years. BC e. Akko was annexed to the Roman Empire and renamed the colony of Claudia Caesaris. Under the Romans, many new buildings were built in the city. In 395 AD e., during the collapse of the Roman Empire, Akko was under the rule of the Eastern (Byzantine) Empire.

During the Byzantine era, Acre was the center of a diocese and the seat of the Archbishop of Tyre. Throughout the early Middle Ages, there was a small Jewish community in Acre.

7th century - the beginning of the first Islamic period in the history of Akko: it was captured by Muslims and in 638 came under the rule of the Righteous Caliphate, created after the death of the Prophet Muhammad in 632. The Arab conquest returned the city to its original name - Akko (Akka), and it became the main port in period of the Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphates.

Akko was of great importance during the reign of the Crusader Knights, especially in the 13th century. when it was the capital of the Kingdom of Jerusalem of the Crusaders, who built many buildings in it and completely transformed it, while Jerusalem itself was already under the rule of the Muslims.

In 1291, the Mamluks took advantage of the civil strife among the crusaders, destroyed Acre and slaughtered almost the entire population. The city began to recover only in the middle of the XIV century. After joining the Ottoman Empire in 1517, Acre again became an important port. The modern appearance of the Old City is the result of the urban planning activities of the Ottoman governors in the 18th century.

In 1918, the British took the Turks from the city and ruled it under the Mandate for Palestine until 1948, when the Israeli army occupied Akko during the Arab-Israeli war.

TRACES OF CONQUERERS

Akko was at the crossroads of trade routes, there were convenient harbors, and almost all the conquerors, trying to keep it, built numerous fortifications, some of which, in one state or another, have survived to this day.

It is not precisely established whether the modern city of Akko (Akka, Acre) is located on the site of the biblical one. Excavations are underway on the hill of Tell el-Fukhar, one and a half kilometers from the modern city. The most natural explanation is that the city on the hill shrank as the port grew, until it disappeared altogether.

There are a lot of antiquities - both preserved and in the form of ruins - in the city. Many suffered from the fact that for centuries these buildings were dismantled by the townspeople for the construction of new houses, but mainly due to the targeted destruction in 1291 by the Arabs who captured the city. After this event and several centuries of desolation, traces of the presence of the crusaders were at a depth of up to 8 m relative to the level of the current streets of the Old City. After the establishment of the State of Israel, excavations in the city are ongoing. Old city Acre is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

During the time of the Crusaders, the knightly orders of the Hospitallers, the Knights Templar and the Teutonic Order built their own quarters in Acre. Akko is the only city of the crusaders that has remained in a relatively intact state. Including the ruins of the port, the breakwater and the lighthouse of that time have been preserved.

The fortress-monastery of the Hospitallers of St. John and part of the city buildings of the Crusaders of the XII century.

Most of them, after the destruction of the above-ground part by the Arabs, were used as a foundation for new buildings, such as, for example, the fortress in the Old City, built by the Turks in the middle of the 18th century. on the ruins of a Hospitaller monastery and used during the British Mandate as a prison for Jewish activists. Or one of the best examples of Ottoman religious architecture - the Al-Jazzara Mosque (Big, it is also the White Mosque), erected on the remains of the Temple of the Templars. Four ancient inns-khans have also survived from the Muslim period, including khan Al-Umdan (Khan of columns) famous for its columns with a remarkable Clock Tower (see illustration in the table of contents) at the entrance to the port.

During the time of the ruler of Palestine and Syria, Ahmed Al-Jazzar (1721-1804), the mighty city walls of Akko were built, which, under the command of this Ottoman governor, also withstood the siege of Napoleon's troops.

After the occupation of Akko by Israeli troops in 1948, the first industrial enterprises in history were launched in Akko (including the only steel mill in Israel), as well as new residential areas were built.

Modern Akko is the commercial and administrative center of the Western Galilee, inhabited by Jews and Arabs, representing 25% of the townspeople and living mainly in the Old City.

In the early 1990s a significant number of repatriates from the republics settled in Acre former USSR and Ethiopia. Today, the population of Akko is more concerned not with issues of interethnic relations, but with the problem of employment: the unemployment rate in Akko is higher than the national average, it is more than 10% of the entire working population.

The main cultural event in Akko is the International Festival of Alternative Theater "Teatron Acher". For four days, troupes from different cities of the country show about a hundred performances in the halls of the fortress built by the crusaders and in the coastal zone. ancient city. If initially the theater venues in Akko were mainly performed by artists from Tel Aviv, now local residents are involved in it, among which there are many Israeli Arabs. The festival in Akko is often criticized for politicization and anti-religious outrageousness.

ATTRACTIONS

Natural:

■ Reserve with eucalyptus grove.

Historical:

■ Mount Carmel with the cave of the prophet Elijah.

■ Templar Tunnel (late 12th century).

■ Fortress-monastery of St. John (Knights' Halls).

■ Fortification walls (1750-1840).

■ Magic garden, fortress (Museum of Underground Prisoners, 1750).

■ Aqueduct Kabri.

■ Temple-mausoleum of Baha'u'llah (the founder of Baha'i) and the Baha'i garden.

Iconic:

■ Synagogue Ohr ha-Torah ("Light of the Torah").

■ Al-Jazzara Mosque, or Great Mosque (1781).

Architectural:

■ Inns-khans (Khan Al-Faranji, Khan A-Shuarda, Khan A-Shunaikhan Al-Umdan, 1784).

■ Crusader buildings (ruins of the port, breakwater and lighthouse).

■ Bazaars (Turkish - late 18th century, Al-Abyad - 1817).

■ Turkish bath (Hamam Al-Basha).

■ Mount Carmel, which gave its name to the Catholic order of the Carmelites, is associated with an Old Testament legend about how the prophet Elijah challenged four hundred and fifty priests of Baal to a competition here and, before the eyes of all Israel and King Ahab, proved by fire from heaven that "the Lord is God." From the middle of the second millennium BC. e. Mount Carmel is revered by both Jews and Christians. In the writings of the ancient Roman historians Tacitus and Suetonius, Mount Carmel is mentioned, revered by the pagans as a saint and who considered it "the dwelling of Zeus."

■ According to ancient legend, the art of glass making was discovered by accident by people who lived near Akko. In antiquity, for a long time, Akko was the center for the manufacture of glassware.

■ The meaning of the word "Akka" is unknown. The ancient Egyptians called it "Aak": this word is contained in the list of cities carved on the wall of the Karnak Temple of Amun in Thebes, conquered during the first military campaign of Pharaoh Thutmose III.

■ Local legends offer their own versions of the origin of the city's name. According to one, the global flood happened twice. The second time the water, approaching the city, stopped. Hence the name Akko, consisting of two Hebrew words: "id" and "ko", which means "until now". The second version is associated with the ancient Greeks, who may have believed that Akko is the name of a medicinal plant that healed the wounds of Hercules. Hercules was depicted on city coins, to whom the local goddess gives this plant.

■ French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte said that the defeat at Acre was the first big blow for him in his life. In 1799, Napoleon approached the walls of Akko, heading for a campaign against Syria. Napoleon declared that if this seaport surrender to his mercy, then "the whole world will be mine." The siege of Akko lasted more than two months, the British helped the besieged a lot, and the French army, having suffered heavy losses and almost without artillery, was forced to retreat.

■ A place of pilgrimage for many followers of the Baha'i faith is the prison in the fortress of Acre, where Baha'u'llah (1817-1892) was imprisoned from 1868 to 1870.

■ In the 18th century, five hundred years after the Crusaders, the ruler of Al-Jazzar was rebuilding the city and stumbled upon an underground labyrinth. The Muslims were unable to destroy it and simply built their city on top of a system of tunnels and halls. Recently, one tunnel was found, but excavations were stopped due to fear that the entire Arab part of the city would collapse. Today, most of the Crusader city is still buried underground.

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Location: Northern Israel.
• Administrative affiliation: Northern District, Israel.
• Languages: Hebrew, Arabic.
• Ethnic composition: Jews - 66.4%, Arabs - 28.1%, Druze - 0.2%, other - 5.3% (2013).
• Religions: Judaism - 67.1%, Islam - 25.3%, Christianity - 2.4%, other - 5.2% (2013).
• Currency unit: new shekel.
• Nearest airport: Ben Gurion International Airport (Tel Aviv).

NUMBERS

• Area: 10.3 km2.
• Date of foundation: about 1500 BC. e.
• Population: 47,397 (2013).
• Population density: 4601.7 people / km 2.
• The first is mentioned: about 1456 BC. e.
• Height above sea level: -0.9 to 29.4 m.
• Distance: 23 km north of Haifa.

CLIMATE

• Mediterranean.
• average temperature January: +13°С.
• Average July temperature: +26°С.
• Average annual rainfall: 520 mm.
• Relative humidity: 60%.

Akko a city in Western Galilee. Located approximately 20 km north of the city of Haifa and 140 km from international airport them. 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 most north point on the coast, where you will find soft sand, which is brought into the Mediterranean Sea from the Nile, which 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. Acre was a meeting place for many diverse cultures and had an important strategic importance, since it was located on a peninsula. It is one of the few cities in mediterranean coast, the fortress walls of which were preserved without damage, with the exception of two breaches, which are currently used as entrance gate 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. The period of their rule is connected with the majority cultural monuments for which the city is now famous. 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 to late XIX century, after the construction 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 leave the old city because of difficult conditions lives there and move to a 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.

Acre is characterized by good weather for almost all year round, 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 Royal Palace crusaders in Akko, and in 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. Leads to the dining room underground tunnel. 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 service premises, 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 south wall 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. A tunnel connects the north wall and sea ​​port on 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 building 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 Abud (named after one of the owners) - Holy place for the followers 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-Faranji - was built by French merchants on the site central square 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 XVIII century among Orthodox Christians Eastern countries(including Palestine) the tendency was to accept the Pope as head of the church. 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 at the time 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 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 Akko was at the crossroads of trade routes, and was also one of the main seaports of that period, it was a very important international shopping center 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 City, it leads from south to north. In the era of the Crusaders, the street led from the Hospitaller Gate in the north, along the market or 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.

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. Compound centuries old traditions Jewish, Arabic, Turkish cuisine, 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. central part- 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 № 251, 271;
• fixed-route taxi(orange) (4.5 ILS);
• by car on highway No. 4 or 22;
• short trip a taxi 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 historic city Akko, enjoy its architecture, a combination of Turkish, Jewish and Arab cultures.

Akko is considered one of the most ancient cities in the world. He is over 4000 years old, and over the years he has not experienced anything. Alexander the Great fought for him (and successfully), then the Egyptians, Romans, Byzantines, Crusaders, Turks, British, and only in 1948 Akko became entirely the territory of Israel. Such a number of wars made it necessary to build a powerful citadel around the city, which protected it and has been perfectly preserved to this day. The British once set up a prison there, and today the main purpose of the fortress is that it offers gorgeous views of the bay.

Today Akko is a small bustling Arab city with narrow streets, ancient but well-preserved buildings, markets, an old port, fish shops and the second largest mosque in the country (the first, of course, in Jerusalem).

How to get to Akko

By bus from Haifa (fare 16 ILS, travel time 35-45 minutes) and Nahariya (8.5 ILS, 10-15 minutes). Trains run from Haifa and Nahariya to Akko. The road from Haifa will take half an hour, the ticket price is 16 ILS, from Nahariya only 7 minutes and the ticket will cost 8.5 ILS. Train ride from Tel Aviv - 70 ILS, travel time 1 hour 45 minutes, from Ben Gurion Airport - 44 ILS, travel time two hours.

Prices on the page are for November 2019.

Public transport in the city is represented by buses, you can also catch a taxi. The Old Town is easy to get around on foot.

Search for flights to Tel Aviv (nearest airport to Akko)

Weather in Acre

Average monthly temperature, °C day and night, water

January

February

March

April

• June

  July

  August

  September

  October

  november

  December

Summers are long, warm and dry, while winters are quite mild. The largest number rainfall occurs in December-February.

shopping

Akko Market stretches along main road The old city, Market Street, which existed during the time of the Crusaders and crosses Akko from north to south. The market sells fish, vegetables, spices and oriental sweets, and it is open throughout the week until 17:00.

The bazaars of the Old City are of interest. So, the Turkish Bazaar, built at the end of the 18th century, is located in the central part, south of the Al-Jazzar mosque. Now there are stalls selling souvenirs for tourists at the bazaar. The bazaar is open to visitors throughout the week until 18:00.

Kitchen

At the old bazaar in Akko, you should definitely try hummus, which is an appetizer made from chickpea puree, and baklava.

Most of the restaurants, both expensive and not very expensive, are located along the beach. Middle Eastern cuisine is served at Hummus Said and Elias Dieb & Sons Restaurants.

Popular hotels in Akko

Entertainment and attractions Akko

Of the sights, one can single out the walls of Akko, built between 1750 and 1840, and surrounding the city from land and from the sea; Akko Fortress, built in 1750 on the ruins of the Hospitaller monastery. In the fortress, one can especially highlight the dining room, built presumably in 1147-1160, and underground tunnel, connecting the northern wall of the fortress with the port in the south.

The Al-Jazzar Mosque, also known as the "White Mosque" - one of the largest mosques in Israel, was built in 1745 on the ruins of a Templar church.

In Akko, the buildings of inns - khans - have been preserved. Khan Al-Umdan was built in 1784, Khan Al-Faranji is the oldest khan that has survived to this day. And Khan A-Shuarda is in an abandoned state - now the khan's building has been given over to warehouses and garages, however, the Crusader tower has been preserved on its territory in good condition.

One of the most beautiful sights of Akko is the Turkish bath, Hamam Al-Basha, built during the Ottoman Empire.

In Akko there is a Templar tunnel, which was built at the end of the 12th century. and connected the Templar fortress, which has not survived to this day, and the seaport located in the east. The length of the tunnel is 350 m.

One of the most beautiful sights of Akko is the Turkish bath, Hamam Al-Basha, built during the Ottoman Empire by order of Pasha al-Jazzar. Until now, the remains of a water pipeline built by order of Suleiman Pasha and stretching along the highway connecting Akko and Nahariya have been preserved. Outside the Old City is the most beautiful synagogue in Israel - "Or ha-Torah" ("Light of the Torah").

Maps of Acre

Events

In Akko, Sukkot or the "Feast of Tabernacles" is celebrated annually, one of the main holidays of the Jewish people, when it is customary to live not at home, but in a sukkah (tent) and remember the wandering of Jews in the Sinai desert. During Sukkot there is an alternative theater festival.