Monuments in Acre
Introduction
Acre sits next to the Haifa Bay and city has many historical monuments. Some of these include; Citadel of Acre, City Walls, Tower of Flies, Jazzar Pasha Mosque, a Turkish Hammam and Khan al-Umdan to name few. While walking in the city, one is always to see history unfolding in front of their eyes.
I saw a sign in Arabic on old wall, translating as ‘on the Day of Judgement, the very first question asked to the people would be about prayer’. A 13th century tower called Burj al-Sultan is incorporated in the sea walls. The 18th century Sinan Pasha Mosque has a green dome. This mosque is also known as Al-Bahr Mosque (the Sea Mosque).
Acre Harbour
The Tower of Flies sits in the Acre Harbour (Akko) The Crusaders attached a chain to this tower and it was strung across the harbour to prevent the entry of ships. This tower was attacked by the Third Crusade and then by the Genoans in 1267. A section of the Crusaders wall still remains but current walls which protected the city from the attack of Napoleon Bonaparte were built in the 18th century.
Khan al-Umdan & City Walls
Khan al-Umdan, also known as the Caravanserai of the Pillars” was built in 1784. This caravanserai was one of the most important in the city due to its proximity to the harbour. A clock tower was added to the main entrance to the khan in 1906.
City Walls of acre prevented Napoleon Bonaparte from capturing the city in 1799. This siege lasted from 20 March to 21 May and resulted in Napoleon’s defeat. Now a days, lose to the Yad Natan Agricultural College there are grave of the French Soldiers and most notably of General Caffarelli.
