Acre (also known as Akko) is an intriguing old town surrounded by towering defenses steeped in medieval Crusader history. Acre is one of the best destinations to visit for history buffs due to the preservation of its stone architecture. There are numerous historic tourist sights and activities to explore within its maze of small passageways lined with khans (caravanserais), fortresses, and Crusader-era monuments.
Our selection of the top-rated tourist attractions in Acre will help you plan your visit.
The Old Town
The ancient city of Acre has seen so much history and witnessed so many significant events that a stroll through it is a true joy. It is, of course, a UNESCO world heritage site.
According to UNESCO, "Acre is a historic fortified harbor city with continuous settlement dating back to the Phoenician period." The modern city is reminiscent of an Ottoman walled town from the 18th and 19th centuries, complete with classic urban components such as the citadel, mosques, khans, and baths. The remnants of the Crusader town, dating from 1104 to 1291, lie almost intact both above and below today's street level, providing an excellent representation of the layout and architecture of the mediaeval Crusader kingdom of Jerusalem."
Today, Acre's old city is predominantly Arab, even though the city is majority Jewish. It's a pleasure to stroll through Akko and discover the narrow alleys, historic houses, and landmarks. Because everything is within walking distance, we recommend simply wandering through the old city and exploring the significant landmarks.
Stroll in the Baha'i Gardens
When visiting a new city, it's a good idea to search for peaceful pockets of tranquility for those times when the bustling streets and honking car horns become too much. Haifa, Israels third largest city is Just a short trip from Acre and is home to the Bahá' Gardens. This little patch of paradise is a tranquil area to meander about; it is the historic resting place of Baha'u'llah, a Bahá' founder. It's free to visit and stroll through the tidy, geometric gardens loaded with vibrant blossoms located on the outskirts of Acre.
Acre Beach
After visiting Acre's ancient sites, haggling in the Turkish bazaar, and exploring the old town, there is no better place to unwind than on a sandy beach in the sun. Acre Beach is a lifeguarded beach located around 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) southeast of the Old City. At sunset, stroll down to the turquoise waters for a calm soak while watching the sky become a bright shade of pink.
Fortifications
Acre most outstanding distinguishing feature is its remarkably intact walls, which wrap around the old city. Ahmed el-Jazzar gave the fortifications their current appearance in the 18th century and for panoramic views of Acre's skyline, wandering along these old defensive barriers is unbeatable.
Climb the ramparts from Weizmann Street and stroll to the northeast corner, dominated by the vast Burj el-Kummander. It is built on the ruins of the "Accursed Tower," from which Richard the Lionheart brought down the banner of the Duke of Austria in 1191.
A short distance south of here lies the Treasures in the Wall Museum, which houses an ethnographic collection of relics from the area's early Zionist inhabitants. Returning east along the wall, towards the sea, brings you to the Burg Kurajim (Tower of the Vine). This Ottoman bulwark, constructed to defend the town against sea attacks, is built on Crusader-era foundations.
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