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Acre, Akko, Acco (continued)
A visit to old Acco is wonderful way to see and feel the history of the Land of Israel. On May 17, 1948, shortly after the Arab invasion, Israeli troops took control of Acre and most of the Arab inhabitants fled. It was subsequently incorporated into Israel after the War of Independence.
Across from the mosque is the entrance to the subterranean Crusader city. You can walk down to different levels and see how the Turks built on top of the old city. One of the more spectacular rooms is the Knights' Halls, which the Hospitallers, the Order of the Knights of St. John, used as a fortress more than 700 years ago. Today, the main hall is used for concerts. The lowest level is the Crypt, a great hall that may have been used for great ceremonies by the Crusaders. Elsewhere in the city is the home of Baha Allah, the prophet of the Baha'i faith. His tomb is in a park just outside of town along the Acre-Nahariya road. The grounds have spectacular gardens.
Tom Brimmer is a ten year resident of Israel and a licensed Israeli tour guide. He is an outstanding student of the land of Israel. He can be contacted at tom@tombrimmer.com e-mail: mikeclay@virtualtravels.com ©mikeclay.com, 2000, 2001©rememberme.com, 2000, 2001
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Check out
Khan El Umdan, the 18th century structure where camel caravans once brought grain and
produce from Galilee to the market. The name means "inn of the pillars," for the
fine granite Herodian pillars brought from Caesarea to support the structure. The clock
tower is a much later addition, built in 1906 in honor of the Turkish sultan Abdul Hamid.
