St John the Baptist Church
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St John the Baptist Church

4.5
·11 reviews·Acre, Israel

A historic Latin Catholic church in Acre, dating back to 1737, known for its medieval-inspired architecture and religious art.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
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St John the Baptist Church

St John the Baptist Church

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic Latin Catholic church in Acre, dating back to 1737, known for its medieval-inspired architecture and religious art.

4.5
(11 reviews)

"A holy place in a holy city with an amazing atmosphere and beautiful medieval architecture."

Vertical photo
TIP

📞 Call Ahead for Visits

Confirm visitor hours by calling 04-9917999 before your visit to avoid disappointment.

⛪ Dress Modestly

As a place of worship, respectful attire is appreciated. Cover shoulders and knees.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Medieval Architecture

Medieval Architecture

Main Sanctuary

Experience the enduring beauty of a church built in the style of the Crusades era, offering a glimpse into centuries past.

Artistic Masterpieces

Artistic Masterpieces

Interior

Admire a wooden crucifixion of Saint Damian and icons depicting the baptism of Jesus and John the Baptist's beheading.

Serene Atmosphere

Serene Atmosphere

Throughout the Church

Find a holy place in a holy city, offering an amazing atmosphere for reflection and spiritual connection.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

St. John the Baptist Church is a historical gem, but its opening hours can be variable. It's best to call ahead to confirm availability for visitors, especially outside of regular service times. This ensures you can fully appreciate its medieval architecture and serene atmosphere without disruption.

Respectful Exploration

As an active place of worship, visitors are encouraged to dress modestly and maintain a quiet demeanor. Photography is generally permitted, but always be mindful of ongoing services or private prayer. Understanding its religious significance enhances the experience of this historic site.

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon by Appointment
Why
Guaranteed access for tours
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The ghouls are back in the cathedral #nyc #halloween #church #stjohnthedivine #newyorkcity #spooky #thingstodoinnyc
@hereinnyc
79.3K likes • 687.7K views

📞 Call Ahead for Visits

Confirm visitor hours by calling 04-9917999 before your visit to avoid disappointment. Reddit

⛪ Dress Modestly

As a place of worship, respectful attire is appreciated. Cover shoulders and knees. Reddit

visiting St. John the Baptist Church in Taytay, Rizal ⛪️🕊💧 #StJohnTheBaptist #StJohnTheBaptistChurch #UtQueantLaxis #Taytay #Rizal #fyp #reels #statues #images #videos #photos #InShOt #Catholic
nellethecelestialvoice
3 likes • 107 views
This is your sign to discover the beauty of Ukrainian Catholic tradition at St. John the Baptist Church in Pittsburgh — a sacred space preserving faith, culture, and history for generations. 💙💛 I went for the first time today to attend the Divine Liturgy (which fulfills your Sunday obligation!) and it was the most beautiful thing. The incense, the chant, the language — everything drew my heart de...
kenna.chiara
0 likes • 2.8K views

📸 Photography Etiquette

Photos are usually allowed, but be mindful of services and avoid flash photography. Reddit

📍 Location Insight

Find the entrance between the Acre Lighthouse and Pisan Port on the southern wall. Reddit

Hierarchical Divine Liturgy celebrated by Cardinal (designate at the time) Bychok in the Parish of St John the Baptist Church in Perth, Australia (2024). Bychok was joined by clergy of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Eparchy of Saints Peter and Paul of Melbourne. Via @therecordperth // YouTube Follow @chantsdaily for more Catholic sacred music and please install our sacred music app, Chants (link i...
chantsdaily
4.8K likes • 62K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📞 Call Ahead for Visits

Confirm visitor hours by calling 04-9917999 before your visit to avoid disappointment. Reddit

⛪ Dress Modestly

As a place of worship, respectful attire is appreciated. Cover shoulders and knees. Reddit

📸 Photography Etiquette

Photos are usually allowed, but be mindful of services and avoid flash photography. Reddit

📍 Location Insight

Find the entrance between the Acre Lighthouse and Pisan Port on the southern wall. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(11 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise St. John the Baptist Church for its beautiful medieval architecture and serene, holy atmosphere. The historical significance and artistic works, including icons and a crucifixion depiction, are frequently highlighted as key attractions. While generally well-maintained, it's recommended to call ahead for visitor hours as they can be variable.

"Beautiful church built in the early 1700s. The priest is a wonderful man full of love and life."

Homero Noboa

"Historically said St Paul was there for a period of time. The church is maintained well. Situated in a beautiful location"

Jerome Fernando

"Beautiful medieval church.
It's not the original, from the Crusades era.
But it's very similar, and allows you to enjoy the architecture of those years, perfectly preserved.
Simplicity and beauty, seamless."

Gabriel de blas

What People Like

Beautiful medieval architecture
Serene and holy atmosphere
Historical significance

What People Dislike

Variable opening hours

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The church is located on the southern wall of Acre, between the Acre Lighthouse and the Pisan Port. It's easily accessible on foot within the historic city. Reddit

Parking in the historic city of Acre can be challenging. It's recommended to use public parking areas outside the old city walls and walk in. Reddit

Many guided tours of Acre include a visit to St. John the Baptist Church. It's also possible to arrange private visits by calling ahead. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the church is generally free, but it is a functioning place of worship. Donations are appreciated to help with maintenance. Reddit

Opening hours can vary. It's best to call the church directly at 04-9917999 to confirm visitor availability, especially outside of mass times. Reddit

As a Catholic church, it is open for services on Sundays. For tourist visits, it's advisable to call ahead to confirm specific visiting hours. Reddit

Yes, the church holds regular masses. You can inquire about the mass schedule by calling the church directly. Reddit

🎫 ⛪ Onsite Experience

Historically, it's said that St. Paul may have visited this site. The current church building dates back to 1737 and is built in a style reminiscent of the Crusades era. Reddit

Inside, you'll find a wooden cross depicting the crucifixion of Saint Damian, and icons of the baptism of Jesus and the beheading of John the Baptist. The architecture itself is a major draw. Reddit

The church offers a peaceful and historically rich experience. While not a typical 'attraction' for young children, older children can appreciate the history and art. Reddit

Photography is generally permitted, but it's important to be respectful of worshippers and avoid using flash. Always be mindful of ongoing services. Reddit

The church is described as a white, Greek-style building with a bell tower featuring a pointed red roof and a small rounded spire. It evokes the architecture of the Crusades era. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the church is located within the historic city of Acre, which is filled with numerous restaurants and cafes offering local cuisine. Reddit

No, eating or drinking is not permitted inside the church out of respect for the sacred space. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The exterior bell tower with its red roof is quite picturesque. Inside, focus on the artistic details of the icons and the crucifixion. Reddit

Drone usage is typically restricted in historic city centers and near religious sites. Check local regulations before flying. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While St. John the Baptist Church is a place of historical and religious significance, it can still be an enriching experience for families. Encourage older children to appreciate the medieval architecture and the stories behind the icons depicting biblical scenes. The church's serene atmosphere offers a moment of quiet reflection amidst a busy travel itinerary. Remember to call ahead to confirm visitor hours, as this can help manage expectations for younger ones. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs

For those fascinated by history, St. John the Baptist Church is a must-visit. Its connection to the Crusades era and the potential historical presence of St. Paul make it a site of considerable interest. Explore the Greek-style architecture and the 1737 inscription that marks its construction. The icons and the wooden crucifixion offer further insights into the religious and artistic heritage of the region. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History

St. John the Baptist Church in Acre boasts a rich history, with traditions suggesting that St. Paul himself may have visited the site. The current structure, built in 1737, is a testament to enduring faith and architectural preservation. It's noted for its resemblance to churches from the Crusades era, offering visitors a tangible connection to the past. The church is maintained well, preserving its historical integrity for all to appreciate. Reddit

This Latin Catholic church, belonging to the Franciscan Order, stands as the only one of its kind in Acre. Its location is strategic, situated on the southern wall between the Acre Lighthouse and the Pisan Port. The building's Greek-style white facade is crowned by a distinctive bell tower with a pointed red roof and a small, rounded spire, also red. This unique visual element adds to its charm and historical character. Reddit

Artistic and Spiritual Treasures

Within the serene confines of St. John the Baptist Church lie several significant works of art. A particularly striking piece is a wooden cross that vividly depicts the crucifixion of Saint Damian. Complementing this are two important icons: one illustrating the baptism of Jesus, and another portraying the beheading of John the Baptist, the church's namesake. These artworks not only enhance the church's aesthetic appeal but also deepen its spiritual narrative. Reddit

The church serves as a vital spiritual center for the Christian community in Acre, hosting prayers and gatherings. Its atmosphere is described as holy, contributing to an amazing sense of peace and reflection. Visitors often remark on the church's simplicity and beauty, finding it a seamless blend of historical architecture and spiritual ambiance. Reddit

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