The Hospitaller Fortress

Experience Crusader Acre

The Hospitaller Fortress also known as the Knights’ Halls are halls that were formerly used for lodging and eating for the Crusader orders that took place in Acre, and which are housed in the Citadel of Acre. The halls were discovered in the 1960s during an excavation to lay sewer pipes, and research at the site began in 1992.



Some More About the Hospitaller Fortress

Acre was a small fishing town until the time of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. During this period it began to grow, especially after it began to serve as the capital of the kingdom in 1191, after the Third Crusade. The halls were built by the Knights of the Order of St. John of the Jerusalem Hospitallers. In addition, they were also used by the many pilgrims who came to the city, and who stayed there as a stopover on their way to Jerusalem.



During the Ottoman period, the governor of the Galilee, Daher al-Omar, built a fortress above the remains of the Crusader fortress. In this fortress resided the seat of the ruler and a prison. Daher al-Omar’s successor, Ahmad al-Jazar, expanded and renovated the citadel structure, and its southern part was used as a garrison residence, in the center stood his personal palace, and to the east were the weapons depots called in Turkish “Jabhana”. During the British Mandate, the fortress served as the main prison in Israel. Today, the fortress is a tourist attraction.



The structure of the Hospitaller Fortress


The northern wing: This wing is located on the northern route of the Acre Wall, with nine narrow and long halls: six of them served as warehouses, two as water reservoirs that drained from the fortress roof, and another hall served as a passage to the central courtyard to the north.

Eastern Wing: This wing includes a large hall – the “Grand Munir”, which is covered by cross vaults. Its openings face north and its wide windows face west and south. It is about 40×35 meters in size. The hall has 15 columns arranged in three rows and supporting its ceiling. The hall served as a gathering and ceremonial hall for the knights.



The south wing: In this wing is the refectory built in a magnificent Gothic style. The rib bases that support the ceiling are decorated, and the ceiling itself is made of cross-vaults that are carried on three pillars of extra-wide diameter. This hall has two openings facing the central courtyard: a door facing east and windows facing south. Below the dining room is a tunnel leading to the southern part of the compound, containing a crypt, the remains of a Gothic church, and a Turkish bath located on the level of the Crusader city and most of which have not yet been exposed.



Western Wing: This wing has two floors for the fighters’ quarters. In its northern part are the public toilets, also built on two floors, each of which has thirty cells. These are drained through gutters installed in the walls to an underground room and the main sewer. Both the west wing and the south wing are built in a magnificent style and were probably built in a later period.

apt-stamp-white@2x
arik-about

Hi! My name is Arik Haglili, an Israeli native who decided to dedicate his life to share my knowledge about the Holy Land to those that are interested to know more about this amazing piece of land. My career as a private tour guide started at the International School For the Studying of the Holocaust and the rest is history.

Did you know the Hoopoe is Israel's national bird?! For more cool info about Israel, join our ever growing community and get exclusive travel tips, and giveaways!

Saint John the Baptist Church

RELATED POSTS

Hisham’s Palace

Just outside of Jericho lies Hisham's Palace, which is one of the most important early Islamic archaeological sites of the Umayyad dynasty.

Yad LaKashish

Yad LaKashish provides employment and support the elderly and disadvantaged, helping them to maintain their independence and dignity.

Herodium National Park

Herodium National Park is a designated national park established to protect and preserve the ancient site of Herodium. The park encompasses a massive complex that ...

Saint John the Baptist Church

The Saint John the Baptist Church is a church located in Old Town Acre in the Galilee region, one of the most beautiful regions in ...

Ammunition Hill Museum

Ammunition Hill is a memorial commemorating the Battle of Ammunition Hill. Now there is a nice museum and you can walk the actual trenches.

Palace of the Lady Tunshuq

The Palace of the Lady Tunshuq is a magnificent palace in the Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem. The palace is showcasing Mamluk architecture.

Museum of Philistine Culture

The Museum of Philistine Culture is an archaeological museum in Ashdod dedicated to the Philistines and is one a kind in the world.

Hilton Beach, Tel Aviv

Hilton Beach in Tel Aviv is one of the city’s most popular beaches and is a fantastic spot for enjoying a day of suntanning, swimming, ...

Chapel of Adam

The Chapel of Adam is located beneath the Golgotha Hill in the church and is believed to be where Adam, the first man, was buried.

Arbel National Park

Located in Galilee, is the stunning Arbel National Park. Where you can find amazing hiking trails, rich history, and an ancient synagogue!

Need help?