Crusader Castle Akkon (עכו)

The origins of settlement on Tell Akko date back to the Bronze Age. Over the centuries, control of the city changed hands multiple times, including between Egyptians, Phoenicians, Ptolemies, Seleucids, and Romans. In the Middle Ages, following the Islamic expansion, Acre fell under Arab control in 638. For the Crusaders, the port of Acre was crucial, being the only one on the Levantine coast usable in all weather conditions. After a siege in 1104, King Baldwin I succeeded in conquering the city for the Kingdom of Jerusalem. In 1187, Acre was recaptured by Sultan Saladin, but after a long siege during the Third Crusade in 1191, it fell back to the Crusaders. Acre subsequently became the capital of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. The Teutonic Order was founded here in 1190 and maintained its Grand Master's seat until the city's loss in 1291. In 1229, Acre was placed under the administration of the Knights Hospitaller. The final conquest by the Mamluks in 1291 marked the end of the Crusades. From 1517, Acre became part of the Ottoman Empire. In the 18th century, the fortress was rebuilt and expanded under Jezzar Pasha on the foundations of the Crusader castle. In 1799, Acre withstood a 61-day siege by Napoleon.

The Crusader Castle of Acre is located in the city of Acre in the Northern District of Israel, in the North region. It stands at an elevation of approximately 14 meters above sea level.

The historic fortress can be visited today, offering visitors insights into its long history and impressive architecture.

• Crusader Castle Casal Imbert (ruin), approx. 14.1 km away
• Crusader Castle Le Saffran (fortress), approx. 16.1 km away
• Crusader Castle Yehiam (fortress), approx. 16.2 km away
• Crusader Castle Montfort (fortress), approx. 19.8 km away