Ancient Acre is one of the ancient port cities in the region that has managed to unite and preserve different cultures of the Land of Israel for generations and still maintain its uniqueness. As in every ancient city in our region, the story begins 5000 years ago on a hill not far away called “Tel Napoleon”. As time passed and changes took place in the Acre surrounding area, the city began to expand until it reached the current area of “Old Acre” as we know.
Ancient Acre, history
Today when you arrive in the city of Acre, you will have to pass between the robust and gandiose walls that the Turks built about 200 years ago in order to protect this important port city. The perfect location, surrounded on three sides by the sea, made Acre a strong and prosperous city even during the Crusader period about 800 years ago. We know about its fabulous wealth from endless historical sources of pilgrims and nobles who docked in the port.
About 30 years ago in the 90s, a huge project of discovering and preserving the Crusader city began, and the results can still be seen today – Acre, a pearl of the Land of Israel and a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Now it’s your turn to continue the story of the city of Acre and rediscover it with a host of attractions in Acre and places of entertainment that you should not miss!
The combined card
Today when you come to Old Acre, the easiest and funnest way to get to know it is through a number of fascinating museums that will tell you the story of the city. You purchase the combined ticket (can also be purchased at the hotel) and you begin your historical tour. This tour is suitable for both adults and children.
The journey includes:
The Enchanted Garden and The knight’s halls
The Enchanted Garden is a historical site that tells the glorious story of Acre during the rule of the Ottoman Turks about 300 years ago. The garden was part of a large complex of the citadel where the ruler of the city lived, located above the “Halls of the Knights”. In the yard
you can find all kinds of artifacts from different periods and even an authentic Napoleon army cannon – will you be able to find it?
We will continue to the main site of the place – the “Halls of the Knights”, the working city from the Crusader period that was only excavated in the 90s opens a window to a fascinating hall like no other in the world! Without too many spoilers, crusader Acre – a rich city and an important spiritual center. Acre was also home to military orders fighting for the defense of Christianity. An entire complex was excavated here that belonged to the Hospitaller Order that took care of pilgrims arriving in the Holy Land from Europe. In their complex, today you can visit their headquarters and get to know the daily life of the city’s residents.
Important: Going down towards the Crusader city, you can visit the gallery of the late craftsman Avshalom Kadishman, who used the place as his place of work in the city.
My recommendation: The visit to the place is at least an hour and a half, and there you can take a picture in the hall with round columns, and use audio tour guide device.
The Turkish bath
The place preserves and restores the atmosphere of the hammam from the Ottoman period and was active until the 60s of the 20th century. Today you can get to know the culture of a hammam with dolls that recreate the ancient visitors and enjoy a light-and-sound show that enlivens the place.
Ramchal
The Jewish story of Acre is less well known, but definitely exists! Because Acre was a major port city in Israel in all periods, the city was visited by Rambam (Maimonides) and Ramban, and other important rabbis and Jewish scholars. Today the place commemorates the name of Rabbi Chaim Moshe Luzzatto who visited the city in the 18th century from Italy. Two videos tell you about the famous rabbi and the Jewish community of the city.
Important: Today the synagogue serves as a museum and is not intended for prayer.
Templar tunnel
A big surprise for researchers was the discovery of a secret tunnel under the house of one of the residents in the 90s of the 20th century, which opened up the possibility of discovering the secret of the Knights Templar. This order, like the Hospitallers, built an entire complex at the southwestern end of the city that includes a huge citadel. Today nothing remains of it except the tunnel that was a secret passage connecting it to the port.
Important: The place has a low-lying area.
Treasures in the wall
The mighty wall of Acre has been protecting the city for 200 years. It was a military zone for the Turkish soldiers. The place where the museum is located was used as a weapons depot, but today the place shows the daily life of the residents of Acre and the Galilee. A beautiful ethnographic museum with a rare collection.
My recommendation: If you are already on the wall, carefully climb one of the cannons and take a picture or a selfie.
Underground Prisoners
On May 4, 1947, a huge explosion was heard in Acre, which marked the escape of the prisoners from the famous Acre prison organized by Irgun and Lehi against the British rule in the Land of Israel.
Today the place is not an active prison but conveys the feeling of that day and tells the brave story of the underground militants who fought against the British Mandate rule.
Important: They don’t work on Saturdays, you will need to purchase a separate entrance ticket.
Not to be missed in Acre!
The main city mosque
The main city mosque is named after Ahmed al-Jazar, the thinking ruler from the Ottoman period. Today it is the second most important mosque after Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. The building was built about 300 years ago per Ottoman school of architecture style. Today you can visit it for an entrance fee and see the beautiful courtyard with an ancient sundial and even see the mosque from the inside. Important: Since it is a holy Muslim place, modest clothing is required.
The ancient port of Acre
The ancient port of Acre has been known since more than 2000 years ago as an important commercial center that operates to this day but has changed its shape and is now more touristic. The pier and breakwater underwent a thorough renovation and today it is one of the nicest places in the city to relax with a view of the sea next to the fishermen and boats. Our recommendation: There you will find several options to take a boat and go to sea, whether it is a calm boat or a more extreme one – the Tornado boat.
Acre, the culinary capital of the north
Acre is the historical capital of the north, but not only that, Acre today is also known for its cuisine and a lot of authentic food that you can find in the central market of the city. Go through the market and enjoy the smell of the spices and coffee and you will feel like any local resident feels.
A haven for artists
In recent years, Acre has become a major art hub in the northern region. From 2019, several galleries with special stories were opened. These places add artistic value to the city in addition to the alley of the artist Walid Kashash.
The walls of Acre
The walls of Acre were built 200 years ago by the then ruler of the city of Acre – Ahmed Pasha al-Jazzar who ruled the region on behalf of the then Ottoman sultan. It was an impressive construction enterprise and there was nothing like it in the country. In Acre there are two parts of walls on which you can walk and enjoy the view that opens up from them and see the power of the Ottoman Empire.
Art in the city alleys
In the alleys of the old city you can see scattered works in different styles by a local resident and craftsman who took the initiative and turned part of the streets into an open air museum. The idea here is not to make a living, but to contribute art to the beautiful city, which thanks to this has become a little more colorful.
30 minutes from Acre
Acre Winery
Acre Winery was established as a project supporting small entrepreneurs who wish to engage in wine production. Located in the north of the city, near the Western Galilee College, this winery has significant social and touristic importance. The place offers a pleasant and peaceful atmosphere, including a wine bar, a lecture room and a wine barrel cellar. This is a community winery, which organizes workshops and courses in wine, and produces various wines and bottles them with individual labels. The tasting program combines wine with meals or cheeses, and a monthly Shabbat reception accompanied by a singer or band.
The Attractions Park in Acre
The adventure park in Acre offers fascinating opportunities for all ages. A 32-meter-high climbing wall, a huge 90-meter omega and SKY TRACK tracks offer exciting experiences. With over 8000 specially designed climbing holds, the park guarantees stability and comfort. The park promotes challenging sports and invites everyone who wants to try the variety of its
facilities, depending on the level of difficulty and age.
The Bahá'í Gardens of Acre
The Bahá’í Gardens of Acre is the holiest place for a religion known for its exquisite, world- renown gardens. Today, visitors are invited to visit a small paradise near Acre, learn about the Baha’i religion and visit the tomb of Baháʼu’lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í faith.
Important: Because it is a Bahá’í holy site, modest clothing is mandatory as well as obeying the instructions of the place.
Tel Napoleon
Tel Napoleon – the ancient city of Acre today is a few minutes’ drive from the old city and is located at an altitude of 30 meters. Today the area is suitable for trips with an amazing Galilean view. There you will see several antiques, as well as the equestrian sculpture of his excellency Napoleon riding his horse.
Must visit restaurants in Acre
Liwa
Acre fisherman’s cuisine. From the creator of Al Marsa restaurant. The place offers authentic breakfast and dinner on a spectacular rooftop with a sea view. The place is kosher and also serves alcoholic beverages.
A restaurant run by an Acre family that specializes in homemade Arab food with special dishes on the weekends. The place also has a Tabun oven that allows them to serve their clients hot and fresh bread and foods. The place boasts a special homely atmosphere.
For inquiries and orders, contact us and we will be happy to help you.
** Guests of the Arabesque Hotel receive a special benefit by booking a table through us.
Doniana
A family Mediterranean restaurant that offers a variety of seafood in addition to meat and a large variety of salads so that it is also suitable for vegetarians. The restaurant is located on the wall of Acre with a view of the sea of Acre and Haifa.
A meat restaurant managed by a chef located in the knights’ halls offering a variety of Levantine and kosher dishes. The restaurant also serves alcoholic beverages.
One of the most famous restaurants in Israel, specializing in seafood with a special touch by chef Uri Yurmais.
The restaurant is located in the southern area of Old Acre by the lighthouse. The place also serves alcoholic beverages. For inquiries and orders, contact us and we will be happy to help you.
Al Marsa
A Mediterranean chef restaurant with a focus on Acre food. The place usually serves seafood in addition to the meat dishes.
The restaurant is located in the harbor area with a view of the harbor. The place also serves alcoholic beverages to the restaurant’s main site: https://www.almarsa.rest.co.il/
