srettig24 Of the over two months I spent in Israel, the day I went to Akko was perhaps the most memorable. It was a very spontaneous trip to Akko that day- involving hitchhiking and a Shabbat Gentile but that’s neither here nor there. The weather in Akko that day, was the type you day dream about during the depths of winter in the Northeast with seasonal depression. I hope that this post gives you a little knowledge and a little sunshine.
Often a day trip destination for tourists staying in Haifa Akko offers a unique experience in Northern Israel. Located on a peninsula on the Mediterranean coast Akko is an old port city.
Akko is also known by the name Acre.
Akko was known for centuries as the gateway to the Holy Land
Akko is a UNESCO world heritage site due to its historical relevance during the Crusades and the Ottoman periods in the region and the well preserved city walls.
The Hospitaller Fortress
The Hospitaller Order thrived in Jerusalem during the first Crusader kingdom (1099-1187). During the second Crusader kingdom (1197-1291) the Hospitaller Order transferred its headquarters from Jerusalem to Akko and built the fortress that you can visit today.
It was evident that some of the stonework had been replaced or was heavily restored. Yet- being able to walk around the remains and see the citadel as close to what it must have looked, helped me to connect with history.
I was able to learn some about the Crusades through this museum and spending the day in Akko. This experience made me realize that I didn’t really know anything about the Crusades other than they happened. While I hardly scratched the surface on the Crusades- they were so well, horrible? gruesome? interesting? Exciting? It’s hard to describe hundreds of year of warfare, religious commitment, traditions, ideologies, and daily life. If you have time do a few little searches for yourself Im sure you will walk away with something gained.
Bazar
There is also a Turkish Bazar in the downtown area of the city. I was in Akko on Shabbat, so the market was filled primarily with Arabs who have a strong historical and cultural hold on the city. The Bazar reminded me of Marrakesh or the ones that I experienced in Amman- narrow crowded streets filled with small stalls selling meats, fish, sweets, coffee pots and well everything you can imagine. The atmosphere is what you would imagine in a small costal city- casual and upbeat. It was too small and crowded to get photos without at least one woman wearing a Hijab- and as a form of respect will not be sharing any photos. Sorry, not sorry, you will just have to go to the Bazar one day!
In Akko, you can find places selling seafood or Middle Eastern dishes. Bars selling beer to tourists, and some cute cafes, many of these with great views of the water and others on quiet streets.
I loved visiting Akko because it’s the sort of place I couldn’t wait to see what else there was to explore and experience. You see a wall and realize that you can walk up it and get a great view of a city, you walk around the corner on a street and realize there is a little beach where you can take a dip. I was hooked and was just enjoying what new gems I found around every corner. From the horse-pulled carts you could pay to take a short ride on, to the speed boat rides there is plenty to experience in Akko.
To K and G- Thanks for kidnapping us to Akko it was an amazing day, one that on a crappy day at the office 20 years from now I know I’ll think about. To A- Thanks for being a fun travel buddy, the navigation, and the giggles
