Templars Tunnel
Walk through a secret, centuries-old passage used by Knights Templar to connect their fortress to the port of Acre.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more atmosphere
Templars Tunnel
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Walk through a secret, centuries-old passage used by Knights Templar to connect their fortress to the port of Acre.
"A genuine glimpse into the secretive world of the Knights Templar, offering historical authenticity."
Combine Tickets Wisely
Get a combined ticket for the Knights Halls and Templars Tunnel for better value. :ticket:
Watch Your Head!
Sections of the tunnel have low ceilings. Be mindful of your head as you walk through. :warning:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Secret Escape Route
Underground passage
Walk the ancient path used by Knights Templar to flee their fortress to the port. Imagine their urgent footsteps!
Crusader Engineering
Tunnel walls
Marvel at the sheer scale and construction of this medieval subterranean marvel, a testament to Templar ingenuity.
A Glimpse into Secrecy
The tunnel itself
Experience the clandestine atmosphere of a passage designed for secrecy and strategic advantage during the Crusades.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Templars Tunnel
Accessibility and Expectations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Combine Tickets Wisely
Get a combined ticket for the Knights Halls and Templars Tunnel for better value. :ticket:
Watch Your Head!
Sections of the tunnel have low ceilings. Be mindful of your head as you walk through. :warning:
Imagine the History
This is an unadorned historical site. Bring your imagination to truly appreciate the Templars' secret passage. :thought_balloon:
Short but Sweet
The tunnel experience is brief, often under 15 minutes. Manage expectations for a quick historical immersion. :stopwatch:
Tips
from all over the internet
Combine Tickets Wisely
Get a combined ticket for the Knights Halls and Templars Tunnel for better value. :ticket:
Watch Your Head!
Sections of the tunnel have low ceilings. Be mindful of your head as you walk through. :warning:
Imagine the History
This is an unadorned historical site. Bring your imagination to truly appreciate the Templars' secret passage. :thought_balloon:
Short but Sweet
The tunnel experience is brief, often under 15 minutes. Manage expectations for a quick historical immersion. :stopwatch:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Templars Tunnel is lauded for its historical significance as a genuine Crusader escape route, offering a unique glimpse into the secretive world of the Knights Templar. However, some visitors find the experience brief and lacking in interactive elements, relying heavily on imagination. It's best appreciated by history enthusiasts who value authenticity over elaborate presentations.
"The Templar Tunnel in Acre is a fascinating subterranean passage that offers a glimpse into the ingenuity and secretive world of the medieval Crusaders. Discovered by accident in 1994, this ancient tunnel served as a strategic escape route for the Templar Knights, connecting their main fortress to the port. Its sheer existence and the story behind it are what make it a compelling part of Acre's rich history.
However, while the historical significance is undeniable, the experience of visiting the tunnel itself can feel a bit underwhelming. It's a simple, straightforward walk through a long, narrow stone corridor. There's no dramatic lighting, no videos, no interactive displays, and no "sound and light" show to bring the history to life. The entire tour can be completed in less than 15 minutes, leaving some visitors feeling that they've paid for a very short walk through a dark space.
Unlike the nearby Hamam Museum or the Crusader Halls, which use multimedia and theatrical elements to enhance the visitor experience, the Templar Tunnel relies solely on the visitor's imagination. You have to actively picture the knights, hear the clatter of their armor, and feel the urgency of their secret movements to truly appreciate the site. For history buffs and those who enjoy pure, unadorned historical exploration, it's a genuine and authentic experience. But for the average tourist, especially families with children, it can feel a little bit boring and lack the "wow" factor that other attractions in Acre successfully deliver."
David “Dudi” Zusiman
"I am a disabled woman with a wheelchair that i unfortunatelyhave to use sometimes. I checked the website before we went and it listed a place that was accessible to the disabled. The treatment I received there was terrible. We arrived 2 hours before closing and asked to pay. The guy there refused to accept the money but took money from other families . he told me that the elevator wasn't working (only later did I find out that it hadn't been working for a long time). Even though we said that I wouldn't go in, only the family still refused, saying that there was no time. As we were leaving the place, a large family entered without a problem and they took money from them. I left the place crying and feeling humiliated. I emailed the place and they were willing to let me go again this time for free. When I asked if the elevator was working, they told me no, but I could see one of the other sites. It wasn't a place we wanted to go to. The place is not suitable for the disabled and also doesn't treat the disabled well. I don't recommend going there and if you're disabled like me, it's not a good experience. The fact that they list it as suitable for disabled is a complete lie."
S “Sherry” R
"It' a great archeological find.
But it is a simple reminder of the secrecy of the catholic Order of the Knights Templar. In the name of their religion, they were oppressors of the Jews during their power from 1100's to 1300's.
Thanks to Philip IV of France, ironically a catholic himself, destroyed and decimated the order.
The tunnel is truly cavernous, sections of it have low overhead (so watch your head!!!). It was used mainly an escape gateway from the city of Akko to the port where their ships would have been waiting.
The ticket to Knights Halls are valid here."
A V (globetrotter)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Templars Tunnel is located in the Old City of Acre. It's easily accessible on foot from other major historical sites like the Crusader Halls and the Old City market. If arriving by car, look for parking areas outside the Old City walls and walk in. :car: :walking:
Yes, there are parking lots available outside the Old City of Acre. From there, it's a short walk into the historic center where the tunnel is located. :parking: :bus:
You can take buses to Acre and then walk or take a local taxi to the Old City. The tunnel is within walking distance of most points of interest in the Old City. :bus: :taxi:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official website or inquire at the main ticket office in Acre's Old City. Generally, it's open during daylight hours. :clock:
Tickets can be purchased individually or as part of a combined ticket that includes other attractions like the Knights Halls. It's often recommended to buy the combined ticket for better value. :moneybag: :ticket:
While some attractions in Acre offer online booking, it's advisable to check the official ticketing portal or purchase tickets at the main visitor center upon arrival. :computer: :ticket:
Reports suggest accessibility can be an issue, with some visitors experiencing non-functional elevators. It's crucial to verify current accessibility status before your visit. :wheelchair: :informationdeskperson:
The visit to the Templars Tunnel is quite short, typically lasting less than 15 minutes. It's a quick walk through the ancient passage. :stopwatch:
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll walk through a long, narrow stone tunnel that served as an escape route for the Knights Templar. It's an unadorned historical site that relies on your imagination to bring its past to life. :stone: :tunnel:
No, the Templars Tunnel is a straightforward historical passage. There are no multimedia presentations, videos, or interactive displays. The experience is purely about walking through the ancient structure. :noentrysign: :film_frames:
The tunnel is dimly lit, contributing to its atmospheric and historical feel. Visitors should be prepared for a darker environment. :flashlight: :dim_button:
Being underground, the tunnel generally maintains a cooler temperature than the outside, offering a respite from the heat, especially during summer. :snowflake: :thermometer:
While children might find the idea of a secret tunnel exciting, the lack of interactive elements might lead to boredom for some. It's best suited for those who appreciate historical context. :child: :thinking_face:
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted inside the Templars Tunnel, but be mindful of the low light conditions. Tripods might be restricted in some areas. :camerawithflash: :tripod:
Use a camera with good low-light performance or a smartphone with a night mode. Consider using a wider lens to capture the length of the tunnel. :iphone: :camera:
Drone usage is typically restricted in historical sites and enclosed spaces like tunnels. It's best to check local regulations and site-specific rules before attempting to fly a drone. :noentrysign: :drone:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs & Archeology Enthusiasts
🚶 Day-Trippers from Haifa/Tel Aviv
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Knights Templar and Their Secret Passage
Discovered accidentally in 1994, the tunnel's preservation is a testament to its robust construction. Visitors today can walk through this ancient corridor, experiencing a sliver of the past. While the tunnel itself is a simple stone passage, its historical significance is immense. It serves as a powerful reminder of Acre's role as a crucial Crusader stronghold and the complex geopolitical landscape of the medieval era. For history enthusiasts, it's a chance to connect with the past on a visceral level, imagining the knights who once hurried through its depths.
It's important for visitors to understand that the Templars Tunnel is not an elaborately staged exhibit. Unlike some modern historical attractions that use multimedia and dramatic reenactments, this site relies on the visitor's own imagination to bring its history to life. The tunnel's raw, unadorned nature is precisely what makes it authentic for many. However, for those expecting a high-tech presentation, the experience might feel brief. The true value lies in appreciating the historical context and the architectural ingenuity of the Templar Knights.
Visitor Experience: Expectations vs. Reality
However, some visitors find the experience to be quite short and lacking in engaging elements. The tunnel is described as a simple, narrow stone corridor with minimal interpretation. There are no videos, sound effects, or interactive displays to enhance the narrative. This can lead to a feeling that the visit is over too quickly, especially for those accustomed to more elaborate museum experiences. The lack of 'wow' factor is a common sentiment among those who found it underwhelming.
Despite these criticisms, many still recommend the tunnel, particularly when combined with other attractions in Acre. The advice often given is to manage expectations: view it as a brief, atmospheric walk through history rather than an extensive exhibition. For those who enjoy unadorned historical sites and can use their imagination, the Templars Tunnel offers a unique and authentic glimpse into the past.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit