Templar's Tunnel: A Crusader Secret
Explore a secret Crusader passage in Acre: the Templar's Tunnel, a 12th-century marvel connecting fortress to port.
The Templar's Tunnel, located in Acre (Akko), Israel, is a remarkable feat of medieval engineering and a testament to the Crusader presence in the Holy Land. Constructed in the 12th century by the Knights Templar, a powerful military order, the 350-meter tunnel provided a strategic link between their fortress in the southwestern part of the city and the port on the southeastern side. The tunnel served multiple purposes. It allowed the Templars to secretly move troops and supplies, and provided a hidden escape route in times of siege. The lower section of the tunnel was carved directly into the natural bedrock, while the upper walls were constructed with hewn stones, forming a strong, arched ceiling. After the Crusaders lost control of Acre in 1291, the tunnel was lost and forgotten for centuries. It wasn't until 1994 that it was rediscovered, quite by accident, when a local resident reported a blocked sewage pipe. Excavation and restoration work followed, and in 1999, the Templar's Tunnel was opened to the public. Today, visitors can walk through the tunnel on a wooden walkway, with the water flowing on either side. Multimedia presentations along the walls illustrate the tunnel's history and the story of the Templar Knights. The tunnel offers a unique and immersive experience, transporting visitors back to the Crusader era and providing a fascinating insight into the military and architectural ingenuity of the time.
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking on a wooden walkway with water on either side.
- Check the opening hours in advance, especially during holidays, as they may vary.
- Consider purchasing a combined ticket for multiple Crusader sites in Acre for cost savings.
- Look for the multimedia presentations inside the tunnel to learn about its history.
A brief summary to Templar's Tunnel
- Asher St 37, Acre, IL
- +9724-995-6706
- Visit website
- Monday 9 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5 pm
- Friday 9 am-4 pm
- Saturday 9 am-5 pm
- Sunday 9 am-5 pm
Getting There
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Walking
The Templar's Tunnel has two entrances: one near the lighthouse in the southwest and another near Khan al-Umdan by the marina. If you are in the Old City, follow the signs towards either of these landmarks. The tunnel entrances are clearly marked. From the Citadel of Acre, walk south for about 5 minutes to reach the western entrance near the lighthouse. There are no specific costs involved in the final approach if you are already within the Old City.
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Public Transport
From Acre Railway Station or the central bus station, you can take a local bus or a sherut (shared taxi) to the Old City. Buses are frequent and cost approximately 6-8 NIS. A sherut will cost around 15-20 NIS. Ask to be dropped off near the Old City walls, and then follow the walking directions to the tunnel entrance near the lighthouse or Khan al-Umdan.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Acre. From the Acre Railway Station or the central bus station, a taxi to the Old City will cost approximately 25-35 NIS. Ask the driver to take you to the entrance of the Templar's Tunnel near the lighthouse or Khan al-Umdan. Note that taxi fares may vary depending on the time of day and traffic conditions.
