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Acre (Akko)
Located in Israel's north and part of the western Galilee region, the coastal town of Acre (pronounced Akko in Hebrew) is a rare blend of East and West and one of Israel's most prominent archeological and historic destinations. Officially declared a World Heritage Sight in 1990, Acre's rich history is slowly being uncovered as works are consistently underway to conserve the town's historic landmarks.
Acre's mixed ethnic and religious makeup, peacefully inhabiting this seaside town, makes it a must-see destination when on a tour to Israel.
With a history that dates back as far as 150 BC, Acre's landscape clearly pays tribute to the numerous regimes that swept through the region.
Reviving Acre's assorted history is an enjoyable family affair. Beginning with the Roman period, you will see how Acre's strategic coastal location deemed it a battleground between the Roman Empire and its Egyptian and Syrian enemies.
Not to be forgotten, the Templars' Tunnel (uncovered in 1994 and opened to the public in 1999), a 13th century passageway leading from Acre's Old City to its port, is a favorite among children.
Then, during the Ottoman rule of the 18th century, the Great Mosque was built in Acre as a way of enforcing the Turkish rule in Palestine. Today, the tomb of Sheikh Jezzar Pasha is located inside the Great Mosque and can be accessed year-round.
Also constructed during the Ottoman rule was the defense wall surrounding Acre. The wall remains, to this day, a prominent feature of the city. Children will have a blast walking along Acker's walls, climbing its towers and fumbling with the ancient cannons that were once used to protect the city from invaders.
Acre's Jewish History
Acre's Jewish and Zionist history is deeply intermingled with the British Mandate which ruled over Palestine during the greater part of the 20th century.
With the British taking over the Ottoman Empire in Palestine, Zionist guerilla movements such as the Irgun and the Lehi moved on from sabotaging the Turks to disrupting the British. To that end, Acre's most famous British landmark is in fact an Ottoman structure (a Hamam), used by the British as a state prison known as the Citadel. It is in this infamous prison that Zionist freedom fighters where imprisoned and left for dead.
A visit to Acre's Citadel offers an exciting slice of Jewish history for those on a Jewish Heritage tour. Also in the Citadel, you will find Acre's Visitor's Center as well as a memorial and museum for the Jewish resistance prisoners.
Modern Day Acre
To this day Acre maintains its colorful markets, waterside restaurants and its famous fisherman port. No tour to Israel will be complete without a taste of these places.
The modernized version of Acre's historic fishing port is now a tourist-friendly marina. The city's ancient Turkish Bazaar is currently an exclusive artisan market, where you may have your portrait sketched or buy an original painting of Acre's seaside. But Acre's most notable and most colorful market is the one that runs through the Old City from north to south.
Whether on a family tour to Israel, a Jewish heritage tour, a Bar Mitzvah tour or a Bat Mitzvah tour, a stroll though Acre's main market is an experience not to be missed! Here you will find venders selling spices and oriental pastries alongside handmade crafts and excellent seafood.
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