My Pilgrimage to Israel: Acre, A City Above and Below

After our visit to Caesarea, we went to Acre (Akko), a city both above and below ground, located in northern Israel. It is a walled port-city located in western Galilee. The city was of great importance during the Crusader Period because of its location on the Mediterranean Sea and thus was the main port during this time. This city is the holiest site for the Baha'i religion.

Market street, in the old city, was filled with shops selling food, spices, clothing, and more. It was the first market we walked through, so it was exciting to see. During the time of the Crusaders, this road led from the Hospitallers Gate to the port.

The picture below is where international trade took place. It was built in the 18th century. The merchants lived on the second floor, while their stores were located underneath.

In the old city of Acre, there is a crusader city, perfectly preserved. The remains date back from 1104 to 1291, which was the time that this city was the capital of the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem (whc.unesco.org). This is amazing because the city was in such great condition. Additionally, there is a city, from the Ottoman empire, built right above it.

The Hospitaller Fortress, is a huge fortress built in the 12th century by the Crusaders. The Hospitallers were a military order who helped the ill. The fortress was expansive and well preserved. There were tunnels leading to different parts of the fortress. Inside there was the prisoners hall, which was made evident by the holes in the walls which were for the chains for the prisoners, the Crusaders dining room, The Knights halls, the fortress courtyard, which is an open space and has a well. There are additional parts as well.