Crusader church, Akko Saray, Medieval church building in Acre, Israel
The Crusader church, also called St. John, sits beneath the Old Seraglio building and still shows visible traces of its medieval structure. The foundations and architectural remains are preserved within the structure of the building above, telling the story of the church's original layout.
The church was built in the 12th century and served as a religious center for the Knights Hospitaller until Acre fell to Mamluk forces in 1291. The conquest marked the end of its active use and the beginning of its burial beneath successive structures.
The church was dedicated to John the Baptist, reflecting medieval Christian devotion and the presence of Western religious practices in this region. Walking through the site today, you can sense the role this place played in the spiritual life of the medieval Christian community.
You can explore the church remains within the Old Seraglio building, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Acre. Access to the underground sections depends on current opening hours and visitor conditions at the location.
The church sat in the heart of the Hospitaller quarter and was part of a vast network of medieval halls, courtyards, and intricate drainage systems. These underground passages reveal how sophisticated and organized the Crusader settlement was for its time.
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