Acre: Crusader Heritage in Narrow Alleys

Acre combines a long history of settlement with striking traces of different eras. The remains of the Crusader city lie above and below today’s street level, offering an exceptional picture of the layout and buildings of the capital of the medieval Kingdom of Jerusalem. Acre has been continuously inhabited since Phoenician times. The walled port city is characterised by narrow, winding streets and public buildings and houses.

Cityscape and Historic Sites

The Templars’ Tunnel is about 150 metres long and runs beneath the city’s houses. Together with the remains above street level, it brings the different layers of the historic city layout to life. Its approximate length provides a concrete measure of this distinctive part of Acre.

At the entrance to the Hospitaller Fortress, the Enchanted Garden, also called the Festival Garden, serves as a forecourt. The garden is home to 150-year-old ficus trees. The Hospitaller Quarter, with its fortress, hospital, church and hospice, served the many pilgrims who came to the Holy Land.

The Turkish Bath also tells the story of Acre’s past: it dates from the 18th century and was built by Jazzar Pasha. The story of the last bath attendant represents a chapter in the city’s Ottoman history, adding another historical focus to its medieval heritage.

The Ramchal Visitors Center in the Old City focuses on the life of Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto, known as Ramchal, and Acre’s Jewish community during Crusader rule in the 12th and 13th centuries. The “Treasures in the Wall” museum displays collections and traditional crafts from the 19th century. Visitors can reserve tours accompanied by actors at the museum: the objects are brought to life and visitors become part of the museum experience. Since the availability of these tours may change, it is advisable to check before your visit.

Four Routes, Different Perspectives

The Classic Route is a paid walking route to the historic sites of Old Acre, for which a combined ticket is available. The Jewish Route is a free walking route that explores Jewish heritage from Abraham to the present day. The two routes therefore differ both in their focus and in whether a combined ticket is offered.

There are also different ways to get around: the Walls Route is a free walking route along Acre’s walls. The Maritime Route is paid, follows the city walls by boat and offers a view of the Old City from the sea. This lets you choose between a walk and a view from the water, with both free and paid routes available.

Plan Your Stay Around Your Interests

If you are particularly interested in the Crusader period, the city’s remains and the Classic Route offer various points of connection. The Ramchal Visitors Center has its own focus on Jewish history, while the museum and Turkish Bath explore other cultural and historical themes. When looking for a holiday apartment in Acre, your preferred itinerary can be a useful starting point: first consider which of these themes and what kind of route you would like to shape your stay.

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For the main travel overview: Israel.