During the second half of the 12th century the
members of the Templar Order began building their quarter in the
south-western part of Acre. A writer who lived in the city at the end of
the 13th century describes their fortress as follows:
“The Templar Fortress was the strongest one in the city
and, in the main, abutted the sea line. Its entrance was protected by
two strong towers with walls 28 feet thick. On either side of the towers
two smaller towers were built and each tower was topped by a gilded
lion.”
A tunnel led eastward from the fortress, the remains of
which are now covered by the sea. The lower part of the tunnel was
carved from natural stone, and its upper part was built from hewn stones
covered by a semi-barreled dome. The tunnel transverses the Pisan
Quarter and leads to the city port in the east, a distance of 350
meters.
The tunnel was discovered in 1994 and was opened to the
public in September 1999. In order to open it to the public it was
necessary to clear away dirt, to install a system of pumps in order to
maintain a fixed groundwater level and to build a wooden path and
install lighting.
Opening hours
Sunday through Thursday from 08:30 to 17:00
Fridays and holiday eves from 08:30 to 14:00
Entry fees
A ticket for the tunnel only – 10 NIS .
See the combined ticket option
