akko

Akko, also known as Acre in English and Akka in Arabic, is a historic port city in the Northern District of Israel. It sits on the Mediterranean coast, about 20 kilometers north of Haifa, and forms part of the Galilee region.

Evidence of habitation in Akko dates to the Phoenician era, with later significance under Hellenistic, Roman, Crusader, and Ottoman rule. The city was a major Mediterranean port and fortress for centuries, enduring sieges and changing hands through the Crusades and regional conflicts. Napoleon Bonaparte attacked Acre in 1799 during his campaign in the Middle East.

Today Akko comprises a modern urban area and the well-preserved Old City, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Old City contains medieval and Ottoman fortifications, tunnels, the Hospitaller and Templar remnants, the Knights’ Halls, the Citadel, the bustling souks along the harbor, and historic maritime architecture. The Al-Jazzar Mosque, built in the late 18th century, is a notable landmark. The Acre Prison Museum documents the city’s penal and political history.

Economically, Akko relies on tourism, fishing and light industry. The port remains active for commercial and naval use, while the coast and historic quarters attract visitors year-round. The city hosts a mix of residents and preserves diverse communities that have shaped its culture across the centuries.