Museum of the Underground Prisoners, Acre

The Museum of the Underground Prisoners occupies a fortress built during the Ottoman period that sits above crusader foundations in Old Acre's historic quarter. The structure contains prison cells, solitary confinement chambers, an execution room, and memorial spaces that document the site's role and the people held there.

During the British Mandate period, the fortress served as a major prison holding hundreds of Jewish resistance fighters from different organizations. The jail became a symbol of the struggle against British rule and witnessed major events that shaped the period.

The cells contain graffiti and drawings left by prisoners that reveal how they spent their days and maintained hope during confinement. These marks on the walls offer direct insight into the thoughts and feelings of those who were held here.

Wear sturdy shoes since the structure has uneven floors and narrow passages that require careful movement. Guided tours help visitors navigate all areas and understand the history through informed explanation.

In 1947 a dramatic escape by a group of prisoners from the jail created a major event in the resistance movement. The museum documents this breakout in detail, showing how the prisoners managed to overcome their captors.

Location: Acre

Official opening: 1963

Website: http://mod.gov.il/pages/heritage/machtarotAco.asp

GPS coordinates: 32.92360,35.06940

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:09