Tower of Flies, Medieval watchtower in Acre, Israel.
The Tower of Flies stands on a small island at the entrance of Acre's harbor, serving as both a defensive structure and lighthouse for maritime traffic. The remains reveal how medieval builders positioned fortifications to control access to one of the Mediterranean's busiest ports.
The tower emerged during the medieval Crusader period when Acre was a contested harbor. During the Third Crusade, Conrad of Montferrat attempted capture but failed due to adverse winds and underwater rock formations blocking his approach.
The tower received its name from Crusaders who connected it to the biblical city of Ekron, where Ba'al-zebub, meaning Lord of the Flies, was worshipped. This naming reflects how medieval travelers linked their surroundings to religious texts and ancient places.
The remains are visible from the port area and can be reached by boat during calm weather conditions. Wear sturdy shoes as access involves rocky terrain and the remains are partially submerged.
A massive chain attached to the tower could be stretched across the harbor entrance to block unauthorized ships from entering or leaving. This defensive technique was crucial for maintaining control over one of the region's most valuable trading routes.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
