The historical definition of the ancient city over 5 thousand years as a point of intersection of international trade routes, various cultures led to its inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The city's attractions
The ancient sights are provided to the attention of the guests of the city.
Old city walls
Tourists visit 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 was unable to capture Acre and lifted the siege.
Until 1801, under the Palestinian ruler Al-Jazzar, new fortification walls, 9 towers were built, a canal was pulled out. Suleiman Pasha is engaged in strengthening the northern and western defensive lines.
1840. A powerful explosion occurs in the weapons warehouse, 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 northern wing, which consists of 9 main rooms (art hall, sugar hall, prisoner hall, etc.). The eastern branch of the building has a ceremonial hall. The western two-story part served as a barracks for the knights.
The south 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 round columns.
A ticket costs 20 ILS.
Al Jazzar White Mosque
From afar, the white building of the mosque stands out in the sun, the second in beauty and importance after the Jerusalem Dome of the Rock. It was built at the direction of Al-Jazzar from Caesarean granite on the site of the Templar Church by Greek and Cypriot specialists, later becoming the burial place of the sovereign. Within the walls surrounding the courtyard, 45 rooms are enclosed, where pupils studying the Koran and pilgrims lived.
Interesting fact. Here is kept a green box brought from Istanbul containing hair from the beard of the Prophet Muhammad. Since 1900, this relic has made the mosque especially holy for Muslims. The shrine is displayed once a year during the Ramadan period.
Tourist entrance - 10 ILS. A handkerchief is given at the entrance.
Templar Tunnel
From the surviving fortress of the Templar Order of the southeastern territory, there was a military object - a tunnel cut under the Pisa quarter, connecting the west with the east.
1994. During the restoration work of the city sewerage system, a 350-meter-long tunnel was discovered.
1999. It is open to visitors. There are two ways to enter inside: from the sea and the old town. Brown signs are a guide for tourists. Entrance fee - 12 ILS. It is allowed to enter multiple times during the day of ticket purchase.
Inns
The ancient khans, that is, inns, have survived. Among them are the following:
- Khan Al-Umdan - a two-level structure that surrounds the courtyard area; 32 columns form arched ceilings around the perimeter; there is a well in the middle; a tower adorned with a clockwork rises above the central entrance;
- Khan Al-Faranji - the oldest khan; built by ancient merchants from France; location of the Franciscan church, educational institution;
- Khan A-Shuarda - earlier there was a boat workshop, now cafes, restaurants; the tower of the Crusaders has been preserved.
Bazaars
The location favorable for the development of trade relations led to the creation of bazaars, some of which have survived to this day. The combination of centuries-old traditions of Jewish, Arab, Turkish cuisines, spices, sweets, coffee attracts guests of Akko to local markets.
- The Turkish Bazaar (dating back to the late 18th century) consists of 50 small shops south of the mosque with souvenir products intended for tourists. A favorite place for artists and craftsmen.
- Bazaar Al-Abyad is a single whole of streets and bazaar buildings 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 Akko, was of paramount importance.
- During the Crusader period, Bazarnaya Street connected the Hospitaller Gate and the seaport. Today it is the central market, smelling of coffee, spices, seafood.
Turkish sauna
The Hamam Al-Basha Museum Complex presents the history of the baths of the Ottoman Empire. The visit is accompanied by multimedia. Cost - 25 ILS.
Bahai Park
At a distance of 2 kilometers north of Akko (exit from road no. 4) is the Bahai Park (Bahai Gardens), a center of Baha'i pilgrimage. The central part is the temple-mausoleum of Bahulla, the founder of the faith. Plants and trees have been planted around in compliance with geometric lines and proportions, and architectural forms have been created from green spaces.
Interesting fact. Followers of the Bahá'í faith around the world are praying towards Akko.
Weather in Akko
The Mediterranean climate is attractive to tourists:
- August is the warmest month, air temperature up to + 32 ° С, average + 26.7 ° С, sea water temperature + 25 ° С;
- January is a relatively coldest month, the air temperature is up to + 10 ° С, the average is + 13.7 ° С, the wettest 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 from Moscow to Akko. Tourists fly to Haifa Airport. Then there are 25 kilometers, which are overcome in several ways:
- by train, which departs once every hour, the fare is 15.5 ILS;
- by bus route No. 251, 271;
- fixed-route taxi (orange) (4.5 ILS);
- by car along the highway number 4 or 22;
- a short taxi ride will cost ILS 7.5.
Excursions and accommodation prices
It is more profitable for tourists to purchase combined tickets, for example:
- Hall of the Crusaders + Okashi Museum of Contemporary Art + Ethnographic Museum + Tunnel - 27 ILS;
- Hall of the Crusaders + Turkish Baths, including an audio guide in Russian - 46 ILS;
- Old Akko Map - 3 ILS.
Meals (prices are in shekels):
- shvarma (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 at 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 open the veil of secrets of the historic city of Akko, enjoy its architecture, a combination of Turkish, Jewish and Arab cultures.
Akko is a city in the Western Galilee (Israel), located about 18 km north of the city of Haifa, on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. The city is considered one of the world's landmarks and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Akko is one of the cities in Israel, whose history continued, according to archaeologists, practically without interruption for over 4000 years. Akko was located at the crossroads of international trade routes and therefore has always been the center of history. Akko has been a meeting point for many diverse cultures and a strategic location for military campaigns.
The first mention of Akko dates back to around 1456 BC. NS. (according to other sources in 1468 BC) and was found in the list of conquered cities during the first military campaign of Thutmose III, knocked out on the wall of the Karnak temple of Amun in Thebes. Subsequently, the city came under the rule of the Hittites and was re-conquered by Seti I in the 13th century BC. e., together with other southern Phoenician cities. During this period, it was a Canaanite city located in a place called today "Tel Akko - Tel el Puhar", northeast of the modern city, 700 meters from the sea.
In the book of Joshua, as well as in other sources, the city was mentioned under the names "Ahshaf" and "Ummah".
During the era of the Israelite kingdom, it was ruled by the Phoenicians. In the Bible, it is mentioned under the name Akko in the Book of Judges in connection with the resettlement of the tribe of Asher, in whose allotment Akko entered, but from which he was never able to expel the local Canaanite inhabitants. " Asher did not drive out the inhabitants of Akko, and the inhabitants of Sidon, and Ahlav, and Achzib, and Helva, and Afek, and Rehov.
"(Judges 1:31)
In 701 BC. NS. Akko was conquered by the Assyrian king Sancheriv. The people of Akko rebelled against his grandson Esarhaddon (Ashurbanipal), who, however, again took possession of Akko around 650 BC. NS. During the Persian rule, Akko became a naval base that played an important role in the war against Egypt.
After the return of the Jews from the Babylonian captivity, Akko was not conquered by them and remained under the rule of Tire. It was quickly conquered by Alexander the Great in 333 BC and became a Greek colony. In 330 BC, Akko moved from Tel Akko to the seashore. Akko became the most important port city in the country and one of the largest cities in the Hellenistic world. The city spread over an area of 1000 dunams.
After the death of Alexander the Great, the city was taken over by the Egyptian Ptolemies, who gave it the name Ptolemais. Under this name, Akko is mentioned in the Bible, in the epistles of the Apostle Paul. Captured by Antiochus the Great in 219 BC NS. Akko became part of the Seleucid Empire and was named Antioch. Under the rule of the Seleucids, Acre has repeatedly served as a base for military action against Judea. After the death of Antiochus VII, Sidet Acre passed from one Hellenistic ruler to another and became a de facto independent city.
During the Hasmonean state, Akko was besieged by the troops of Alexander Yannai. At that time, Akko had the status of a free Greek city, headed by the city council of state (Bule). Bule Akko turned to Ptolemy Latour for help. Ptolemy came to the aid of the besieged Acre with an army of thirty thousand and landed in the area of modern Haifa. Under pressure from this, Alexander Yannai had to lift the siege from Akko, although he advanced to the very approaches to the city.
Under Pompey in 52-54 BC NS. Akko was annexed to the Roman Empire. In 48-47 years. BC NS. Julius Caesar landed in Acre. In 39 BC. NS. Herod I used Akko as a stronghold in his military operations against Matityahu Antigonus II. When the First Jewish War broke out, the inhabitants of Akko massacred 2,000 Jews. In 67 A.D. NS. from Akko Vespasian undertook a campaign against the rebellious Galilee. The importance of the harbor of Acre declined after Herod I built a port at Caesarea... During the Roman period, Akko significantly outgrew the boundaries of the Old City. During this period, Jews continued to live in the city, but they never constituted a majority in it. The Jews still called the city Akko.
In 638, Akko was captured by the Arabs, and a port was built in 804-868.
Akka city Akka is a city called Saint Jean d "Acre by the French; a city and fortification on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, the main city of Sanjak in the Asian-Turkish vilayet Sham (in Syria), with a vast bay north of Cape Carmel, has six mosques ( between them is the beautiful Jezar), many ruins of medieval buildings, the port, although quite open and poorly protected, partly even covered with sand, but still one of the best on the entire Syrian coast, has about 5,000 inhabitants, existing mainly in trade and shipping. a storage place for all Syrian cotton and the terminus of several large trade routes running from the interior of Syria.Ancient Akka politically and militarily has long served as an important connecting point between Europe and Asia and is already mentioned in the Bible under the name Akko, which belonged at that time to the Canaanites.This city, being enlarged and decorated under Ptolemy Lago, received the name of Ptolemeis and bore this name throughout the Middle Ages. The Romans turned it into a military colony (Colonia Claudia), which soon acquired an important commercial importance due to the influx of merchants from countries adjacent to the Mediterranean. During Arab rule, Akka remained a significant fortress and a major storage area for trade with Syria and Palestine. At the beginning of the Crusades, Christian commanders tried to take possession of Acre, but they took it only on March 24, 1104. In 1187, Sultan Saladin took possession of this city, but then it passed again into the hands of Christians (Germans and British) after a long siege by them and a heroic protection from Zeyfeddin Ali (12 July 1191). Since then, Akka has been a Christian fortress and the seat of the Knights of the Order of St. John until the Egyptian Mamelukes took possession of it on May 18, 1291; however, this city, being under the rule of the Egyptians, and from 1517 under the rule of the Turks, nevertheless served as a haven for pilgrims who came from Western countries. During an expedition to Egypt, Bonaparte, wishing to have a reliable point of support for his military operations in Syria, undertook a siege of this fortress on March 17, 1799, which was bravely defended by Ahmed Pasha (Jezar) and the French engineer Filippo (emigrant). Two days before, on March 15, reinforcements arrived at this port in the form of five English ships under the command of Sir Sydney Smith, capturing seven French transport ships loaded with war shells and siege weapons along the way. Although several sorties made from the fortress were repulsed and on March 29 several breaches were made in it, all attempts to storm it ended in failure for the besiegers, causing them great damage; besides, a plague was raging in their camp. Bonaparte was forced to lift the siege on May 21 and returned to Cairo on June 15. On May 27, 1832, Akka was taken by attack by Ibrahim Pasha, the son of the Viceroy of Egypt, but after the bombing on November 4, 1840 by the allied Anglo-Austrian-Turkish fleet, it was again conquered by Christians and given, together with all of Syria, to the Turks. Its fortifications were renewed in 1850.
Encyclopedic Dictionary of F.A. Brockhaus and I.A. Efron. - S.-Pb .: Brockhaus-Efron. 1890-1907 .
See what "Akka, city" is in other dictionaries:
- (called by the French Saint Jean d Acre) a city and fortification on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, the main city of Sanjak in the Asian Turkish vilayet Sham (in Syria), with a vast bay located to the north of Cape Carmel, has six mosques ... ... Encyclopedic Dictionary of F.A. Brockhaus and I.A. Efron
- ... Wikipedia
Akka: Akka a tribe of pygmies Akka genus of plants of the Myrtle family Saint Akka (660 740) Bishop of Heksema Place name Akka city in Israel Akka historical region located in the southwest of Chechnya Akka (Aukh) historical region of Chechnya, now part of ... Wikipedia
This term has other meanings, see Akka. City of Akka Country MoroccoMorocco ... Wikipedia
Akka - Akko- Akka, a seaside town on the Mediterranean Sea, 40 km south of Tire; located in the northern part of Akka Bay, opposite Karmila. Akka was assigned to the tribe of Asher, who could not drive the Canaanites out of there (Judges 1:31). During the time of the Crusaders, she ... ... Dictionary of biblical names
AKKA, (also Akko, Akko and Acre, English Acre, French Saint Jean d Acre) is a city in Israel, on the Mediterranean coast. Population 46 thousand people (2004; 75% Jews). Seaport on the shore of the Haifa Bay. Industrial and tourist center. Mosque al ... encyclopedic Dictionary
A city on the Mediterranean coast in the state of Israel. In ancient times, Akko was a major trading center in South Phenicia. First mentioned in 15th century sources. BC. In the 8th and 4th centuries. BC NS. the city belonged to Tire, in the 3rd century. BC NS. obeyed ... ... Great Soviet Encyclopedia
A city in the state of Israel, on the Mediterranean coast. In ancient times, Akko was a major bargaining. center South Phenicia, near the bay of the same name. It was first mentioned in the 15th century. BC NS. in the Annals of Thutmose III and the Tel el Amarna Archives. In Armenia, purple was produced and ... ... Soviet Historical Encyclopedia
Akka- the city in the state. Israel, on the Mediterranean coast. In ancient times, Akko was a major bargaining. center South Phenicia, near the bay of the same name. For the first time mentioned. in the 15th century. BC. in the Annals of Thutmose III and the Tel el Amarna Archives. In A. made. purple and glass ... Ancient world. encyclopedic Dictionary
This term has other meanings, see Akka. Akka Akka ... Wikipedia
Add to this the status of one of the oldest cities in the world, the unique local flavor, proximity to the azure coast of the Mediterranean Sea, and it becomes clear why Acre is chosen among other cities by thousands of tourists for their travels. Narrow streets, old markets, fishermen's shops and ancient fortresses. Rest here can be equated with a fascinating journey through time. With all this, the tourist infrastructure meets international standards, and the service is of a high level.
Akko: location and features
Akko is located in the northern district of Israel, in the western part of the Galilee. From the nearest large city, it is separated by 23 km. The population is distinguished by its multinational composition. Most of the inhabitants of Akko are Jews, among whom there are many immigrants from the Caucasus and migrants from. About a quarter of the population are Muslim Arabs, there are also Bedouin communities and very few Christian Arabs. Here you can hear speech in five languages: Arabic, English, Hebrew, Russian and French.
Akko is a city in Israel with a history of almost 4000 years. What has he not experienced during these millennia. At different times, Acre was conquered by the Phoenicians, Hittites, Egyptians, Romans, Greeks, and British. Some have literally compared the city to the ground, transforming a great settlement into a seedy fishing village. Someone rebuilt the fortresses on the site of the ruins and gave the city new names. Akko bore such names as Ptolemaida, Ummah, Saint-Jean d'Acr.
The main reason for such attention from the outside is the place where Akko is located (the proximity of strategically important sea routes, favorable climate and landscape). By the way, many outstanding guests visited Akko (King David, Julius Caesar, Alexander the Great, Pharaoh Thutmose III, Marco Polo).
At the beginning of the 20th century, UNESCO included the ancient city of Akko on the World Heritage List.
Attractions in Akko
Akko is the only city of the knight's times, which has almost completely retained its medieval appearance to our times. In addition, a huge number of Ottoman sights, religious monuments and unique natural sites remain here.
Often, from the photographs you can understand in which city they were taken. It's completely different here. In one walk, you will take so many different photos in Akko that it will seem like you have made a long trip to several cities. Azure Mediterranean beaches, ancient fortresses and knightly underground tunnels, incredibly beautiful paradise gardens and majestic religious buildings. You will find all this here. You can use the Akko Tourist Map to plan the best route to attractions that interest you more.
So, what you can see in Akko:
A separate attraction of Akko is the local bazaars. The most famous of them are the Turkish Bazaar and the White Market (Al-Abyad).
Hotels in Akko
A lot of tourists come to Akko, some swim in the sea, some enjoy fascinating excursions along the ancient streets. Therefore, in every part of the city there are several places where you can stay for the night: from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. The price for accommodation depends on the service and the location of the hotel / apartment (on the sea coast and near the main attractions, it is naturally higher).
Top premium placements in Akko:
Mid-range hotels in Akko:
At a fairly affordable price, you can book the following options:
- Apartments Acre Two Wells Zimmer;
- Chalet Asbn Magic Garden;
- guest house Nzar Khoury for Hosting.
There are also two hostels in Akko with a cozy modern atmosphere and all the necessary amenities: Akko Gate and Akko Knights.
Things to do?
Of course, every tourist who comes to the city will definitely visit the beaches of Akko. The sandy coastline stretches along the bay. The most famous and well-equipped beaches are "Argaman" (paid for foreign tourists, the entrance costs about 5 shekels) and "Tmarim" (owned by a hotel, who live elsewhere will also have to pay).
In addition to swimming in the sea, in Akko you can come up with a lot of exciting activities:
- travel through underground knightly tunnels;
- shopping at local authentic bazaars;
- riding a fiacre;
- visit to the Turkish hammam;
- Boat trip.
Several interesting Israeli museums are also located in Akko: Okashi Museum of Art, underground museum, ethnographical museum.
If you're lucky, you can get to the city's annual events: the Olive Festival, the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), and the Alternative Theater Festival.
Restaurants and gastronomic attractions in Akko
Ask any Israeli: "Where is the most delicious hummus made?" And he will answer: "In Akko." Here you can taste this spicy pea paste in any restaurant and cafe.
Akko is also famous for the extraordinary skill of local chefs in cooking fish dishes. For example, restaurant "Uri Buri" in Akko is known throughout Israel. Here you can taste the breathtaking crayfish neck soup, delicious anchovies and the freshest caviar, which is usually served here on persimmon slices.
Most cafes and restaurants are located along the beaches and in the Old Town. Tourists love to visit the following establishments:
It is worth noting that in Akko restaurants, as in all of Israel, portions are large enough. Prices can be called moderate, much lower than in Tel Aviv or Eilat.
Weather in Akko
As you know, the weather in Israel, including Akko, is favorable for recreation all year round. The climate in the Mediterranean is moderately warm. Summers are usually drier than winters. The hottest month in Akko is August (average temperature + 27 ° C). It is coldest in January (+ 13 ° C).
Water warms up to + 23 ° C in summer, its temperature rarely drops below + 17 ° C even in winter.
How to get there?
Akko can be reached from major cities in Israel by several types of transport:
- by bus from (ticket price - 8.5 shekels) or (ticket price - 16 shekels);
- by train from (ticket 41.5 shekels), (ticket 51.5 shekels), Haifa and Nahariya (prices are the same as for bus tickets);
- by car (you should keep to highway number 4, which runs along the entire coast).
Distance to Akko from Tel Aviv - 98 km, from - 128 km.
Not required
up to 90 days within 180 days
Moscow - Tel Aviv
4 hours
Israeli new shekel (ILS)
1 hour to Moscow
Akko is the oldest walled city of Israel, once the most important strategic port, located in the northern part of the Western Galilee. The city was mentioned as far back as the 19th century BC. For a long time, Akko was the capital of the Kingdom of the Knights Templar. Modern Akko is the commercial and administrative center of the Western Galilee with a population of 50 thousand people. The school of naval officers, a branch of the University of Haifa, Yad Nathan College and other educational and cultural institutions are located here. Akko is included in the UNESCO list of world cultural values.
sights
The most attractive sights are the remains of buildings from the times of ancient Greece and ancient Rome, the magnificent buildings of the era of the Crusaders and the Ottoman Empire. It is worth visiting the Al-Jezar Mosque, the spacious buildings of the monks of the Order of St. John, the underground city of the Crusaders, Khan El-Umdan and the fantastic Bahai Temple. I would like to say a separate word about the 350-meter underground tunnel built by the Knights of the Templar Order and connecting the fortress and the seaport. The tunnel was accidentally opened in 1994 and turned into a museum in 1999. There is also a unique museum in Akko, created in a former Turkish bath. Equipped with the latest technology, the museum tells about the history and intricacies of the bathing business.
Entertainment
In the fall, during the Sukkot celebrations, a theater festival is held in Akko, which attracts professionals and novice artists. On the days of the holiday, the ancient walls become wonderful scenery for performances dedicated to the throes of creativity, self-determination, mutual struggle and rivalry. Also, the leisure of tourists is occupied by the new entertainment program "Hasanshi": various musical and theatrical performances (fringe theater and ethnic music), which are held in the evenings in the "Magic Garden" ("Gan ha-kasum") in the Crusader fortress, as well as a visit to the Rosh ha grottoes. -Nikra.
Hotels
The Western Galilee Hotel Association offers tourists the opportunity to spend the night in comfortable rooms, as well as receive discounts on excursions and free tickets to entertainment events.
Restaurants
In fish cafes and restaurants, food is surprisingly tasty and relatively inexpensive. The Loaves and Fishes, a small cozy restaurant serving seafood cuisine, is also popular. The Galileo restaurant is also worth a visit, located among the ruins of the ancient city walls. Uri Buri is also one of the best seafood restaurants.
The shops
The main market runs through the entire territory of the Old Town. You can find anything here: any food, nuts, spices, jewelry, amazing sea shells, clothes and, of course, fish.