Excursion «Underground Acre. Halls of the Crusaders. Haifa»

Залы крестоносцев
Залы крестоносцев Бахайские сады Акко
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Type VIP excursions
Language French

Akko

The city of Acre was first mentioned during the period of Egyptian rule, around 1800 BC, and its history dates back almost 4 thousand years to date. During all this time, the city had different periods: rapid prosperity was followed by decline, but periods of intensive development prevailed, since Acre was located at the intersection of important trade routes, and therefore cultures. In addition, the city was favorably located from the point of view of military strategy.

The city was the main administrative unit of the province under Thutmose III. Acre is mentioned in the Bible under the names Ummah and Akhshaf. Then Acre was ruled by the Phoenicians, who were conquered by the Assyrian King Sancheriv in 701 BC. The Persians made the city an important stronghold at sea, capable of resisting the Egyptian army.

Finally, during the conquest of the Holy Sepulcher, the knightly orders of the Templars, Hospitallers and Teutons built their quarters in the city, which did not limit themselves to the construction of housing and established a full-fledged infrastructure, including warehouses, hospitals, churches and other buildings. From those times, 40 churches and 23 monasteries remained in Acre, and all of them were quite well preserved. An important event in the history of Acre was the move in 1260 of the Paris yeshiva of Rabbi Yechiel. This event contributed to the formation of Acre as one of the main centers of Jewish learning.

Halls of the Crusaders

The tour will take you through numerous halls that were inherited from military orders of knighthood. There was a continuous struggle for Acre not only by external conquerors. No less heated battles took place inside, between numerous contenders for ownership of the city. The Templars and Hospitallers, the Teutonic knights and numerous merchant clans from Venice, Genoa and Pisa argued among themselves. As a result, an armed conflict broke out between the Venetian merchants and traders from Genoa in 1256, which gradually involved the knightly orders. The conflict weakened the city, and Sultan al-Ashraf Khalil took advantage of this and conquered Acre in 1291. His warriors destroyed the city and killed most of the civilian population. Relative calm came to the city only in the 14th century, and then its intensive restoration began.


* Modest clothing is required.

Departure days

Departure days depend on your departure city

Info

Order cancellation conditions:

If a tourist cancels an excursion in less than 3 days, the penalty is 100%. 

  • The company is not responsible for lost items.
  • Responsibility for having an individual insurance policy falls on the tourist.
  • Visiting holy places is permitted only in modest clothing. Open T-shirts, short shorts and skirts above the knee are not allowed (shoulders and knees must be covered); women must wear a headscarf when entering temples and other holy places.

We recommend: 

Bring drinking water, a hat, and sunglasses with you on the excursion.

The cost of trips does not include and is paid on the spot:

  • Food
  • Paid entrances

Attractions

Akre

It is the city, within the walls of which is still heard the clang of swords and armor of the crusaders and war cries calling for battle. Acre is saturated with history and time has no power over this place. Sometimes it seems that it is moving perfectly in a chaotic direction. Monuments of the past and present mixed together here, but they appeared far from architectural badness, on the contrary brought a special atmosphere.
There is an ancient port, and fortresses of the crusaders, and Turkish baths (hamams), mosques and even a magical garden built during the crusaders. Among all the historical diversity it is difficult to single out one thing.: the city keeps the secret of the Templars, it hosted Napoleon, the legendary king Richard the Lionheart, and despite all the warriors, rulers and conquerors, Acre has never interrupted its settlement for more than five millennia and is one of the oldest cities in the world.

Crusader Halls in Acre

The city of Acre, which is one of the most ancient cities in the world, is of particular interest to tourists. The city has a huge number of historical monuments of different centuries, however, the underground city of the crusaders is of the greatest value (after all, it was in Acre that the crusaders settled during the Crusades).
It is no secret that it was the city of Acre that for a long time was the capital of the Kingdom of the Crusaders. Today, every tourist has a wonderful opportunity to get acquainted with the huge complex, most of which is located underground. The complex includes monasteries, temples, castles, underground passages. One of the most impressive rooms underground, undoubtedly, is the Knights' Hall of the Hospitallers (this room is currently used for concerts).
The underground premises of knights of the Middle Ages are decorated with the banners of the crusaders. There is a special lighting in the halls, which creates an even more mysterious and mysterious atmosphere.

Bahai Gardens in Haifa

The spiritual center on Mount Carmel in Haifa is one of the holiest places for Baha'i practitioners, the youngest monotheistic religion in the world. The center includes a temple, a tomb where the remains of the Bab, the ancestor of the faith, and famous gardens rest.

The tomb is an impressive building crowned by a gilded dome. It is equipped with a backlight. Thanks to her, the dome is illuminated at night, but so that it seems as if the source of radiance is inside it.

To get to the tomb, the guest have to go through the gardens that terraces cover the slope of Mount Carmel. There are twelve in all. Seeing this incredible work of human hands, you will understand why the gardens are called the eighth wonder of the world. The local collection contains about 450 species of various plants, among which there are unique flowers. Shrubs are sheared, and you probably will not find lawns more even and greener in the city. Add to this the fountains - isn't it awesome? Bahai Gardens is a monument not only to faith and its founder, but also to the harmony and great taste of architects.

Haifa

Try to describe Haifa in a few words, and... and you will fail. You can travel to this city alone or with the family. It does not matter how old you are, what kind of relaxation you prefer and what impressions you long for. No one will feel bored here. No wonder they say that "Haifa is full of high".

Founded in a time before remembering and known since the Roman era, today's Haifa is a metropolis. It proudly bears two honorary titles: the country's main port and northern capital.

There are two must see objects in the city – small and huge one. The first is the underground funicular train. The tiniest in the world! It has a poetic name – "Carmelit." All because the train rolls through the tunnel, penetrating the Mount Carmel.

 

The second is a huge Bahai temple, the domes of which can be seen from everywhere in the city, and its gardens. Baha'i faith is one of the world’s youngest monotheistic religions.

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