Al-Jazzar Mosque

Set in the heart of Akko‘s old city, Al-Jazzar Mosque is the biggest mosque in Israel from Ottoman times and is second only to Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem.

It was built in the 18^th century by Akko’s governor, Ahmad Pasha, ‘Al-Jazzar’, and named after him.

Completed in 1781, the mosque’s design echoes the famous ‘Hagia Sofia’ shrine in Istanbul, with pendentives supporting the main dome. The mosque is built over the ruins of the Crusaders-era ‘Santa Croce’ church, whose former cellars were turned into cisterns. Furthermore, the colonnade around the mosque re-uses many columns from Roman times. Inside is a beautifully restored preaching stand (minbar) next to mosque’s michrab.

The walls are decorated with colored tiles bearing quotes from the Quran in delicate calligraphy.

The Mosque’s green-domed and its slender minaret are possibly the most recognized landmark in Akko, visible also from miles outside the city.

Al-Jazzar, and his adopted son, suleyman, are buried next to the mosque, in a double-domed structure.

Visiting Al-Jazzar Mosque

Known among the locals as ‘Jama el-Basha’ (The Pasha’s mosque), Al-Jazzar mosque is open Saturday to Thursday to non-Muslims. Visitors are to dress modestly and take off their shoes. There is also an entry fee of about USD$3. Near the entrance is a classic Turkish style kiosk (Sabil) offering chilled fresh water for Muslim pilgrims and visitors.

A tour of Al-Jazzar mosque and Akko can be combined with a day tour to Caesarea, Haifa and Akko, or a day tour in the north.

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Additional Day Tours

Private Introductory Tour of Jerusalem Jewish Heritage of Jerusalem Tour Christian Heritage of Jerusalem Tour Tour of Western Jerusalem Hidden Gems in Eastern Jerusalem Tour of Jerusalem by Foot Half a Day Tour of Jerusalem Tour of Jerusalem and Bethlehem Jerusalem and the Dead Sea Tour to the Dead Sea Tour of Jaffa and Tel-Aviv Tour of Jaffa and Caesarea Tour of Caesarea and Haifa Tour Of Caesarea, Haifa and Akko Tour of the Land of Samson Bethlehem, Jericho, and Baptism site Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee Tour to Nazareth and Caesarea Tour to Beit-Shean and Megiddo 4x4 Tour to the Judean Desert Multi-Day Tours Private Tours for Seniors Helicopter Tours Extreme Activities

Points of Interest in the Area

	Akko
	Hospitallers Citadel / “The Knights Halls”
	Templars Tunnel
	Akko Mosaics synagogue