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Akko Old City Walls
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historical-site
The Old City walls of Akko (Acre) represent one of the best-preserved Ottoman defensive systems in the Mediterranean. Most of the current structures were built in the late 18th and early 19th centuries on the foundations of earlier Crusader fortifications by the ruler Zahir al-Umar and later Ahmed al-Jazzar Pasha. The defenses fully encircle the old city, consisting of massive land walls to the east and north, and sea walls to the west and south. A pivotal historical moment occurred in 1799 during Napoleon Bonaparte's siege, when the walls and their defenders, with British naval support, successfully repelled French attacks. The land wall features deep moats, cannon bastions, and heavy towers, while the sea walls protected the harbor from both invaders and wave erosion. The ramparts are now a public walkway, offering insights into Ottoman military architecture, and were a primary factor in Akko being named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2001.
- Location: Israel
- Top sights: Tower of Flies · The Or Torah Synagogue · Al-Raml Mosque
- Nearby: Nahariya (9 km)
- Population: ~51.420 (2025)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 14 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 21 | 24 | 26 | 27 | 26 | 24 | 20 | 16 |
| Rain mm | 130 | 103 | 59 | 29 | 12 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 28 | 67 | 115 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Old City walls of Akko are open-air monuments and can be viewed from the outside at any time. Some sections, like the harbor area, are publicly accessible and walkable.
Typical hours
As they are open city walls, there are no fixed opening hours. A visit at sunrise or sunset has the best light for photos.
Photography
Photography is allowed at any time without restrictions. The walls offer excellent viewpoints for panoramic shots of the Old City and the Mediterranean.
Time needed
Allow about 1 to 2 hours for a walk along the walls and through the Old City. If you also want to visit the underground Crusader halls, budget half a day.
Combine with
Combine your visit with exploring the Old City of Akko, including the bazaar and the Al-Jazzar Mosque. The Akko harbor with its fish restaurants is also worth a visit.
Getting there
The Old City walls of Akko are easily reachable on foot from the city center. Parking is available outside the walls, and Akko's main train station is just a 15-minute walk away.
Insider tip
Walk along the walls in the late afternoon when the golden light warms the stones and tourist crowds subside. Wear comfortable shoes as the paths are cobbled and uneven.
Geography
Facts
- Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2001
- Withstood a 61-day siege by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1799
- The total length of the city walls is approximately 2.8 kilometers
- The current defenses were largely completed by Ahmed al-Jazzar Pasha
- Materials for the walls were partly taken from the ruins of Caesarea
- Features a complex system of inner and outer walls with a moat
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Akko Old City Walls (11)
Al-Muallaq Mosque⛪ religious
A historic "suspended" mosque built elevated above the busy market street.
Acre Lighthouse📍 landmark
A prominent lighthouse standing atop the southwestern corner of the ancient sea walls.
Templar Tunnel📍 landmark
A medieval underground passage connecting the Templar fortress directly to the harbor.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Are you allowed on the city walls?
Yes, a walk on the walls is a must for every visitor.
What is the view like?
It has a spectacular view over the sea and the old town.
When is the best time?
Early evening at sunset is most beautiful.
Is there an entry fee?
For some sections yes, the wall itself is usually free.
Is it family-friendly?
Yes, very, but watch out for unsecured areas.
Akko Old City Walls: where is it located?
Akko Old City Walls is located in Israel.
Akko Old City Walls: what is there to see?
Highlights include Tower of Flies, The Or Torah Synagogue, Al-Raml Mosque.
Akko Old City Walls: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
Akko Old City Walls: why is it worth visiting?
The Old City walls of Akko (Acre) represent one of the best-preserved Ottoman defensive systems in the Mediterranean.
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