Hospitaller Fortress (Knights’ Halls), Akko

The Hospitaller Fortress is one of the most impressive sites in Akko. The Hospitallers, also known as the Order of the Knights of Saint John, were a military order of warrior monks created in the time of the Crusades. The Hospitaller Order helped pilgrims on their journey to the Holy Land, providing them with protection and aid. The fortress was the Order’s headquarters in Akko.

about the Hospitaller Fortress

Akko was the port city and main gate to the Holy Land during the time of the crusaders. The Hospitaller Order thrived in Jerusalem during the First Crusader Kingdom and Second Crusader Kingdom. The Hospitallers, who had a station there during the First Kingdom, returned to Akko, expanding their headquarters and rebuilding the site. By visiting their fortress, you can take a step back in time while learning more about this fascinating group. Akko is one of the most prolific cities of the Ancient World. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Akko is an essential part of any visit to Israel. The city is easy to explore on your own, but a guided tour is by far the best way to learn all about its history.

hospitaller fortress

The impressive fortress was restored in recent years. There are three floors surrounding a central court as well as underground sections, water reservoirs, and a sewage system. There are other impressive rooms within the fortress, perhaps the most impressive being the refectory. To date, an area of about 5,000 square meters has been excavated encompassing the central court and north, east, and south wings. The west wing has yet to be excavated. The Ministry of Defense’s Underground Prisoners Museum is located above the archaeological site.

Visitors to the site can access the remains of the first floor of the Hospitaller headquarters. There are three main buildings to see: St. John’s Church, the headquarters (Knights’ Halls), and the hospital, which has yet to be excavated.