Akko Crusader Castle - The Refrectory

[Ned]

Israel, being such an ancient land, one conquered, lost, and reconquered by so many civilizations over the centuries has many fascinating locations. The ancient city of Akko, known as Acre to many, located north of Haifa, at the northern end of the Haifa Bay.

Located in Akko is the Crusader Fortress (Castle) built in the beginning of the 12th century. The fortress was partly destroyed by Saladin soon after, but retaken by the Crusaders under King Richard, the Lionhearted. This lasted 100 years until 1291 when the city was taken by the Mamlukes, and was completely destroyed.

In recent years the Israelis have been excavating and restoring much of the Fortress, including many of its massive halls.

Here's a photograph I made while touring the ruins. It's of the ceiling detail in the Refrectory.