The ancient city of Acre, located in northwest Israel, offers a glimpse into the Crusades through its well-preserved Hospitaller Fortress. Considered one of the longest continually inhabited cities in the Middle East, Acre, also known as Akko, showcases layers of history spanning centuries.

Visitors to the Hospitaller Fortress can explore its tunnels and halls, now largely underground, where projected lights display moving images depicting the Knights Hospitaller, later known as the Knights of Malta, in a funeral procession. The fortress museum effectively narrates the history of the various civilizations that have inhabited the city.

Adjacent to the fortress stands the Al-Jazzar Mosque, which houses a reliquary believed to contain a hair from the Prophet Muhammad. The mosque represents another layer of Acre's rich cultural and religious heritage.

Acre's strategic location on a peninsula jutting into the Mediterranean Sea has made it a significant port and trading hub throughout history. Its winding streets and historic architecture reflect the influence of various empires and cultures, including the Crusaders, Ottomans, and British. The city's history is intertwined with the broader narrative of the Crusades, a series of religious wars between Christians and Muslims for control of the Holy Land, which had a profound impact on the political and cultural landscape of the Middle East and Europe.

While the reporter's visit was brief, taken during a break from a news assignment in Israel, the experience highlighted the enduring legacy of Acre as a place where history comes alive. The city continues to attract tourists and researchers interested in exploring its diverse past and understanding its significance in the context of regional and global history.