Yesterday evening after work, my family and I went swimming at our nearest beach. Our nearest beach is Nasholim beach. One of the most amazing beaches in the world, it has everything a sea-lover might wish for. Small and large sea coves to explore, baby fish that you can either chase between the rocks or allow to nibble on your dead skin, a huge collection of sea shells and waves that are often large enough for surfing. You can look for the hidden mermaid's chair to make a sitting wish, catch some fish or sift for ancient archeological treasure. Our favourite bay at Nasholim is just big enough for a tiring swim from to one side to the other and back again. If you'd rather do beach instead of sea - the sand is white and soft and made for lazing. I usually stay in the water as much as possible. Life in Israel can be tense, so it is nice to float aimlessly without any thoughts in the Mediterranean sea. The summer is slowly coming to an end which means that the water is finally coo...
The fascinating old city of Acco is found in the northern part of Israel, about half an hour's ride north from Haifa. The modern city of Acco, that surrounds it, is actually a bit boring ..or maybe it just seems a bit watered down against the historical old city.
You can however spend just five minutes in the ancient old harbour city and you will be transported in the blink of an eye to the times of the British mandate, the Ottoman empire and to when the Crusaders ruled the Holy Land.
You will surely walk were Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Marco Polo and Napolean Bonaparte have walked so many years ago.
There is a lot to see and explore and many little alleyways to get lost in. If you really want to explore Acco's old city I would suggest a pair of comfortable walking shoes, enough water to drink, a map and more time than you think you need. And oh yes, be prepared for some strong smells from the fish stands dotted throughout the market.
Every time I visit Acco, I see another part of the old city that I have not yet seen before. So here is a small (ish) list of ten things to see and do in Acco. Some are free and for others you will have to pay a fee.
1. Explore the Templars' tunnels
2. Have a look at the beautiful Turkish bath (hamman el Basha)
3. Explore the ancient city walls that wrap around the city
4. Visit the market place that are filled with spice shops, fruit and vegetable stands, fish stalls and restaurants.
5. And of course, you HAVE to get something to eat...
I highly recommend eating at the hummus shop of Abu Zaid that is smack in the middle of the market. And for something sweet, try the freshly made baklava or knafe just a few stalls down. And all throughout the old city you can find, especially in the marketplace, stands selling freshly squeezed fruit juices
6. If you want, you can go and have a look at the Al-Jazzar Mosque which is the largest mosque in Israel outside of Jerusalem. Be sure to be modestly dressed though.
7. If you are lucky, you may find an old Templar's church open so that you can have a peak inside like I did.
8. For 10 shekels you can go for a short boat ride and see the old city from the sea.
9. Have a look a the Turkish bazaar. The stalls in this little market sell mostly souvenirs and clothing. It smells a bit better but is not as interesting as the main market.
10. Pay a visit to the Citadel. This is my favourite historical site in Acco. It was built by the Crusaders and was used as a prison during the British mandate time. And of course, there was a daring prison break in 1947 by members of the Jewish underground.
At first glance (and smell) Acco will seem a bit run-down and neglected but it is that very "rough-around-the-edges" side of it, that make it such an interesting place to visit. Make sure to come and experience this authentic and history-rich city.
You can however spend just five minutes in the ancient old harbour city and you will be transported in the blink of an eye to the times of the British mandate, the Ottoman empire and to when the Crusaders ruled the Holy Land.
You will surely walk were Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Marco Polo and Napolean Bonaparte have walked so many years ago.
There is a lot to see and explore and many little alleyways to get lost in. If you really want to explore Acco's old city I would suggest a pair of comfortable walking shoes, enough water to drink, a map and more time than you think you need. And oh yes, be prepared for some strong smells from the fish stands dotted throughout the market.
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| Fish stands with the day's fresh catch are dotted throughout the markets. |
1. Explore the Templars' tunnels
2. Have a look at the beautiful Turkish bath (hamman el Basha)
3. Explore the ancient city walls that wrap around the city
 |
| Parts of the ancient city walls are slowly crumbling away but the most of them are still intact. |
5. And of course, you HAVE to get something to eat...
I highly recommend eating at the hummus shop of Abu Zaid that is smack in the middle of the market. And for something sweet, try the freshly made baklava or knafe just a few stalls down. And all throughout the old city you can find, especially in the marketplace, stands selling freshly squeezed fruit juices
6. If you want, you can go and have a look at the Al-Jazzar Mosque which is the largest mosque in Israel outside of Jerusalem. Be sure to be modestly dressed though.
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| Minarets and palm trees tower over the ancient buildings. |
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| I consider myself very lucky to finally be able to peek inside this old Templar's church. I think (not 100% sure) that it is one of the few Roman Catholic churches in Israel. Most of the ancient churches here are Greek Orthodox. |
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| Arab women taking selfies while we wait for our boat to fill up with people so that we can look at Acco from the sea. |
9. Have a look a the Turkish bazaar. The stalls in this little market sell mostly souvenirs and clothing. It smells a bit better but is not as interesting as the main market.
10. Pay a visit to the Citadel. This is my favourite historical site in Acco. It was built by the Crusaders and was used as a prison during the British mandate time. And of course, there was a daring prison break in 1947 by members of the Jewish underground.
At first glance (and smell) Acco will seem a bit run-down and neglected but it is that very "rough-around-the-edges" side of it, that make it such an interesting place to visit. Make sure to come and experience this authentic and history-rich city.
This sounds wonderful, I haven't been to Acco for way too long!
ReplyDeleteGreetings from the center :)