Akkā – Ancient, Mysterious, Holy
Akkā, Israel, is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, dating back to the 16th century BC. It is in the Western Galilee region of northern Israel at the northern extremity of the greenish clear waters of Haifa Bay, and one of my favorite places to visit.
This is a place where you can walk on the same paving stones that were there when European Crusaders landed here a thousand years ago to march on Jerusalem. The massive stone seawall used to defend the city is pretty much gone today, except for restored areas.
Akkā's caravanserai where travelers criss-crossing the Middle East would find safety, rest, food and water.
I got the feeling that the atmosphere of Akkā's bizaar has not changed much in centuries ... only the people. There's a dangerous side, too, and visiting the innermost part of the city at night is not advised.
Where else can you have a parrott on your head and a python around your neck ... at least for a few minutes.
Akkā is also the holiest city of the Bahá’í Faith.
Remnants of the seawall fortress, now visited by fishermen and tour boats.
Akkā is also spelled Acre, Akko and ... well, no doubt I have missed some of the spellings.
Beautiful images from Akka, one of my most favourite places. Did you take the ferry ride at all? You can get some stunning images of the walled city from the sea.