Old City of Acre in Israel

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
View photos from OUR PLACE the World Heritage collection
Website of the property

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 2001
Size of heritage: 63 ha
- Buffer zone: 23 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 35,084°
Latitude: 32,928°

Summary

Acre is a historic walled port-city with continuous settlement from the Phoenician period. The present city is characteristic of a fortified town dating from the Ottoman 18th and 19th centuries, with typical urban components such as the citadel, mosques, khans and baths. The remains of the Crusader town, dating from 1104 to 1291, lie almost intact, both above and below today's street level, providing an exceptional picture of the layout and structures of the capital of the medieval Crusader kingdom of Jerusalem.

Location on Map

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Old City of Acre: A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Israel's Western Galilee

The Old City of Acre, located in the Western Galilee region of Israel, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that holds immense historical and cultural significance. This ancient city, also known as Akko, has a rich history dating back over 4,000 years, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

Historical Significance

The history of the Old City of Acre is intertwined with the rise and fall of various civilizations. It served as a strategic coastal stronghold for the Phoenicians, Romans, Crusaders, Ottomans, and others. The city's fortifications, which include walls, gates, and towers, bear witness to its military importance throughout history.

During the Crusader period, Acre became the capital of the Kingdom of Jerusalem and a major center for trade and commerce. The Crusaders built impressive structures, such as the Knights' Halls and the underground Templar Tunnel, which can still be explored today. The city's role as a key port in the Mediterranean made it a melting pot of cultures, religions, and architectural styles.

Over the centuries, Acre changed hands multiple times, enduring sieges, conquests, and destruction. The Ottoman Empire took control of the city in the 16th century and left its mark with the construction of mosques, bathhouses, and other Ottoman-style buildings.

Current State

Today, the Old City of Acre stands as a testament to its diverse and layered history. Its well-preserved architecture and archaeological sites attract visitors from around the world. The UNESCO World Heritage designation in 2001 further highlighted the importance of preserving this unique cultural heritage.

Exploring the narrow streets of the Old City, visitors can admire the blend of architectural styles, including Crusader, Ottoman, and Arab. The vibrant market, known as the shuk, offers a sensory experience with its colorful spices, fresh produce, and local crafts.

The city's most iconic landmark is the Citadel of Acre, a massive fortress that dominates the skyline. Within its walls, visitors can explore the Knights' Halls, which served as the headquarters for the Crusader knights. The halls feature stunning medieval architecture and are often used as a venue for cultural events and exhibitions.

Another must-visit site is the Al-Jazzar Mosque, built in the 18th century by the Ottoman governor Ahmad Pasha al-Jazzar. This grand mosque showcases exquisite Islamic architecture and is still an active place of worship.

The Old City of Acre also boasts several museums, including the Underground Prisoners Museum, which tells the story of Jewish resistance fighters imprisoned by the British during the mandate period. The Treasures in the Walls Museum showcases the city's history through a collection of artifacts and multimedia presentations.

Address
Distance: 5,8 mi
29 Jabotinsky St
22383 Nahariyya
Israel

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 15:00
Reception
Weekday: 0:00 - 24:00
Weekend: 0:00 - 24:00

Videos from the area

Israel -Turismo en ACRE / AKKO - Tierra Santa, City tour - Tourism travel visit viaje viajar guide

Published: May 30, 2012
Length: 06:53 min
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: TUSDESTINOS.NET

http://tusdestinos.net Acre, Israel (Tierra Santa) es una de las ciudades más antiguas del mundo. Ubicada en la costa norte israelí, en el extremo norte de la bahía de Haifa, Acre es conocida...

Akko or Acre, Israel

Published: March 21, 2014
Length: 06:10 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: kevinandsuetravel

This is a video of the Crusader city of Akko, aka Acre. This is one of the oldest cities of the world. You will see the fortress and the underground rooms of the Crusader knights.

Day 7: Old Akko (Acre, Acco) Journeyer's photos around Acre, Israel

Published: November 15, 2010
Length: 32:15 min
Rating: 3 of 5
Author: TripAdvisorTRIPWOWu

Preview of Journeyer's blog at TravelPod. Read the full blog here: http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/journeyer/1/1211467140/tpod.html This blog preview was made by TravelPod using...

The Knight's Halls Youngtravellers's photos around Akko, Israel (st john the baptist akko)

Published: December 14, 2010
Length: 11:22 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: TripAdvisorTRIPWOWu

Preview of Youngtravellers's blog at TravelPod. Read the full blog here: http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/youngtravellers/young_rtw/1212938220/tpod.html This blog preview was...

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Near airports

Haifa International Airport
Medium airport - 9 mi (14 km)

Ben Ya'akov Airport
Medium airport - 29 mi (46 km)

Kiryat Shmona Airport
Small airport - 36 mi (58 km)

Sde Dov Airport
Medium airport - 59 mi (95 km)

Ben Gurion International Airport
Large airport - 64 mi (104 km)

Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport
Large airport - 66 mi (107 km)

King Hussein Air College
Small airport - 79 mi (128 km)

Amman-Marka International Airport
Medium airport - 85 mi (137 km)

Queen Alia International Airport
Large airport - 99 mi (159 km)

Nearby places