The Akko Marina and Fishing Port

The first port in Akko

The first port in Akko was presumably located along the lower section of the Na’aman River. The port was first mentioned in Kambizes’ journey to conquer Egypt in 527-525 BC during the course of which Akko boasted hundreds of ships carrying soldiers, horses, and supplies. The fact that Akko served as a base for a fleet of such magnitude indicates that the breakwater had already been built.

Akko

The port during the ancient Moslem Period


Reference was again made to the Port of Akko with the establishment of the Umayyad Dynasty during the days of Muawiya. Sultan Muawiya decided to fortify the settlements along the coastline as part of a maritime policy, which culminated in the conquest of Cyprus that became part of the Moslem Empire. It was within this context that a large shipyard was built at the Port of Akko, however, it had a short lifespan. Egyptian ruler Achmad Ibn-Tulun (868-884) annexed the Land of Israel and a substantial part of Syria and, in the midst of organizing his princedom, he decided to renovate the Port of Akko and its fortifications, similarly to what had been done in Tyre.

akko-acre port

The port during the Crusader Period

During Crusader rule, the port of Akko played a more central role. Its naval ties to the West were founded on this port, which was essential to its very existence. Even though most of the maritime activity was limited to the May to October period, considerable space was required to store goods and equipment for the pilgrims’ accommodation as well as for the repair and mooring of ships.
akko-acre port

The port during the Ottoman Period

Following the Ottoman conquest, use of the port declined and it only served as a marina for fishing boats. Paintings of 18th-century passengers depict the southern breakwater and the Crusader wall, the remains of which still remain impressive. The fortified building on the Tower of Flies was very well preserved and a mosque was built on top of it. In the late 17th century, Daher El-Omar tried to renovate and fortify the city. Toward the end of his life, he had presumably managed to rehabilitate the port to the extent that sailboats could cast their anchor there and load cargo within the scope of his policy to develop maritime commerce.
During the first third of the 19th century, the port was kept in good working order and it often served the Egyptian fleet of Muhammad Ali and Ibrahim Pasha. The port was destroyed during the shelling of Acre by the British and Austrian navies in 1840 when the breakwater wall and the Tower of Flies were damaged.

Port of pilgrimage to the Land of Israel

From time immemorial, the Holy Land has attracted pilgrims – especially Jews and Christians. Many of them arrived in Israel through the Port of Akko. Akko’s status grew, primarily after its conquest by the Crusaders in 1104, when the port became the main gate to the Land of Israel.

Curious? Have a look at IsraelRails Acre Tours!

Old Akko Port Marina

Share this post

More To Explore

Tel Aviv Train Station

How to get from Tel Aviv to Acre (Ako)

Located right by the sea, Acre (Ako) offers plenty of museums, historical sights, a beautiful port and culinary as well...
059A1303b

Acre's Al-Jazzar Mosque

When traveling to Acre, for example with our one day self-guided tour combining culinary and historical highlights of the city, the...
Akko

Visiting Akko with the 5 Museums Combined Ticket

Akko not only has a long and eventful history, but also boasts numerous sights. An ideal choice for a day...
Market Akko Israel

The Akko (Acre) Market

Akko is an ancient port city in northern Israel, located on the coast of the eastern Mediterranean Sea. The city...
Humous_Workshop

CULINARY TOURS IN ISRAEL

Ways to experience Israeli cuisine A country rich with some of the most fascinating historical sites in the world, Israel...
shutterstock_Jerusalem Old City Bazar

The 10 best markets in Israel

There’s no better place to immerse yourself in a foreign country’s culture than its markets. Israeli markets, whether dedicated to...