2017 - Bern - Zytglogge
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Acre Clock Tower

4.7
·6 reviews·Acre, Israel

A striking Ottoman clock tower, a 1906 addition to the grand Khan Al-Umdan, offering a glimpse into Acre's rich historical tapestry.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late afternoon

Golden hour light

CrowdMedium
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2017 - Bern - Zytglogge

Acre Clock Tower

Best Time

Late afternoon

Golden hour light

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A striking Ottoman clock tower, a 1906 addition to the grand Khan Al-Umdan, offering a glimpse into Acre's rich historical tapestry.

4.7
(6 reviews)

"A beautiful historical landmark that adds charm to the already impressive Khan Al-Umdan."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Capture the Details

Take time to admire the intricate details of the clock tower and the surrounding caravanserai architecture.

🚶‍♂️ Explore Khan Al-Umdan

The clock tower is part of the larger Khan Al-Umdan; explore the entire complex for a full experience.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Acre Clock Tower

Acre Clock Tower

Khan Al-Umdan

A striking Ottoman-era clock tower, a testament to a bygone era, standing proudly over the historic caravanserai.

Khan Al-Umdan

Khan Al-Umdan

Old City of Acre

Explore the largest and best-preserved caravanserai in Acre, a bustling hub for ancient traders.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

The Acre Clock Tower, part of Khan Al-Umdan, is best visited during daylight hours to appreciate its architecture. Consider visiting in the late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Historical Context

Built in 1906 to honor Ottoman Sultan Abd Al-Hamid II, the clock tower is a significant addition to the historic Khan Al-Umdan. Understanding its history enhances the appreciation of this landmark.

Best Times

When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer people
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📸 Capture the Details

Take time to admire the intricate details of the clock tower and the surrounding caravanserai architecture.

🚶‍♂️ Explore Khan Al-Umdan

The clock tower is part of the larger Khan Al-Umdan; explore the entire complex for a full experience.

🕰️ Understand the History

Learn about its construction in 1906 to commemorate Sultan Abd Al-Hamid II for deeper appreciation.

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Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the Details

Take time to admire the intricate details of the clock tower and the surrounding caravanserai architecture.

🚶‍♂️ Explore Khan Al-Umdan

The clock tower is part of the larger Khan Al-Umdan; explore the entire complex for a full experience.

🕰️ Understand the History

Learn about its construction in 1906 to commemorate Sultan Abd Al-Hamid II for deeper appreciation.

What Travellers Say

4.7
(6 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors appreciate the Acre Clock Tower as a picturesque landmark within the historically rich Khan Al-Umdan. Its Ottoman-era architecture and its role in commemorating Sultan Abd Al-Hamid II are noted points of interest. While it's a beautiful structure, some visitors note it's primarily an external viewing experience.

"Clock tower of Khan Al-Umdan, the largest and best preserved caravanserai in Acre. The clock tower was added in 1906 to commemorate the rule of Abd Al-Hamid II, Ottoman sultan."

Zinnia Xu

"I don't know much about history, so I don't know."

Maranello

""

Samson Fishman

What People Like

Picturesque landmark
Historic architecture
Part of Khan Al-Umdan

What People Dislike

Primarily external viewing

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Acre Clock Tower is located within the Old City of Acre, specifically at Khan Al-Umdan. If you're in Acre, navigate towards the Old City walls and enter through one of the gates. Khan Al-Umdan is a prominent landmark within the Old City, easily accessible by foot.

Parking is available in designated lots outside the Old City of Acre. You'll then need to walk into the Old City to reach the clock tower. Consider public transport or taxis if you prefer not to drive.

Yes, you can reach Acre by bus or train. From the Acre central bus station or train station, it's a walk or short taxi ride to the Old City entrance, from where you can easily find the clock tower.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Acre Clock Tower itself is a public landmark and does not require a ticket to view from the outside. It is part of Khan Al-Umdan, which is generally accessible.

As an outdoor landmark, the clock tower is visible at all times. However, the surrounding Khan Al-Umdan may have specific operating hours for its shops and courtyards, typically during daylight hours.

Generally, there is no entrance fee to walk through the main courtyards of Khan Al-Umdan. Some individual shops or establishments within the Khan might have their own policies.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The clock tower is situated within Khan Al-Umdan, a historic caravanserai. You can explore the architecture of the Khan, visit the shops and restaurants within it, and enjoy the atmosphere of Acre's Old City.

The clock tower is primarily an architectural feature and is not typically open for public climbing. Its historical significance lies in its presence and design.

For the best photos, visit during the golden hours of late afternoon for warm light. Try different angles from within Khan Al-Umdan to capture its grandeur against the sky or the surrounding architecture.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Khan Al-Umdan and the surrounding Old City of Acre are filled with restaurants and cafes offering local cuisine, from traditional hummus to fresh seafood. You'll find plenty of options within walking distance.

Acre is renowned for its delicious Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. Expect fresh ingredients, flavorful spices, and a variety of dishes including falafel, shawarma, hummus, and local pastries.

📸 📸 Photography

The best photo spots are from within the courtyard of Khan Al-Umdan, looking up at the tower. Experiment with framing it with the arches and columns of the caravanserai for a more dramatic effect.

Late afternoon, during the 'golden hour,' offers beautiful warm light that enhances the textures and colors of the stone. Early morning can also be good for fewer crowds and soft light.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Acre Clock Tower and Khan Al-Umdan offer a fascinating glimpse into history for families. Kids can imagine merchants and travelers from centuries past using the caravanserai. The open courtyard of Khan Al-Umdan provides space for children to move around, though supervision is always recommended.

Consider making it a part of a larger Old City exploration. Pack snacks and water, as exploring can be tiring. The visual impact of the tower and the bustling atmosphere of the Old City can keep younger visitors engaged.

🏛️ History Buffs

For history enthusiasts, the Acre Clock Tower and Khan Al-Umdan are essential stops. Khan Al-Umdan is a significant example of Ottoman urban planning and trade infrastructure. The clock tower's addition in 1906 provides a specific historical marker, linking the site to the late Ottoman period and Sultan Abd Al-Hamid II.

Take time to read any available historical markers and appreciate the preservation efforts. The site offers a tangible connection to the layers of history that have shaped Acre, from its ancient port to its Ottoman era.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of Khan Al-Umdan and its Clock Tower

Khan Al-Umdan, meaning 'Inn of the Pillars,' is the largest and most well-preserved caravanserai in Acre. Built during the Ottoman period, it served as a vital resting and trading post for merchants traveling along ancient routes. Its impressive architecture, characterized by a large central courtyard surrounded by two stories of rooms and arcades, speaks to its historical importance as a hub of commerce and hospitality.

The Acre Clock Tower was a later addition, erected in 1906. It was commissioned to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the reign of Sultan Abd Al-Hamid II, the ruler of the Ottoman Empire at the time. This addition transformed the skyline of the caravanserai, blending Ottoman architectural styles with the existing historical structure. The tower stands as a symbol of the era and the sultan's influence in the region.

Visiting Khan Al-Umdan and its clock tower offers a tangible connection to Acre's rich past. It's a place where history is not just read about but can be experienced through its enduring structures and the stories they tell of trade, travel, and imperial legacies.

Architectural Significance

The Khan Al-Umdan itself is a prime example of Ottoman caravanserai architecture. Its design prioritizes functionality and grandeur, with a vast open courtyard that would have accommodated caravans, animals, and merchants. The surrounding two-story structure features numerous rooms for lodging and storage, all accessible via elegant arcades supported by sturdy pillars, hence its name.

The Acre Clock Tower, added in the early 20th century, represents a distinct architectural phase. While the Khan is rooted in earlier Ottoman styles, the clock tower showcases the more ornate and decorative elements common in late Ottoman public works. Its presence adds a vertical dimension and a focal point to the otherwise horizontal expanse of the caravanserai, creating a unique visual contrast.

Together, the Khan and its clock tower form a compelling architectural ensemble. They offer visitors a chance to appreciate the evolution of building styles and the historical layers that define Acre's Old City. The blend of the ancient caravanserai with the more modern (though still historical) clock tower is a visual narrative of the city's enduring significance.

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