The Crusader Fortress in Old Akko Comes to Life in an Innovative Night Show
The Ministry of Tourism and the Old Akko Development Company have launched a spectacular audiovisual show at the Crusader fortress. This powerful video-mapping experience transforms ancient stone walls into a living journey through thousands of years of history.
Akko has joined a select group of global cities—including Paris, London, and Jerusalem—that utilize cutting-edge video-mapping technology to illuminate their historical landmarks. The 15 million NIS project, funded by the Ministry of Tourism and produced by the Old Akko and Nazareth Development Company, brings a new dimension to the city's heritage.
To facilitate this experience, a dedicated grandstand was constructed within the fortress plaza, supported by over 10 kilometers of fiber optic cabling. The 35-minute show utilizes 22 advanced projectors to map imagery onto the fortress's stone arches and courtyard, turning the architecture itself into a canvas for the narrative.
The show relies on a universal visual language and an original musical score, making it accessible to international audiences of all ages. It is fully inclusive, featuring specific accommodations for the hearing impaired and audio descriptions for the blind, developed in partnership with the Library for the Blind.
The visual content was crafted by the French firm COSMOAV, a world leader in video-mapping that also contributed to the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. The project was managed by the team from the Tower of David Museum in Jerusalem, led by CEO Eilat Lieber.
The narrative spans Akko's vast history, from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine eras to its time as the capital of the Crusader Kingdom, through the Ottoman period and the British Mandate, up to the present day. Throughout the performance, the sea serves as a recurring motif, representing the city's lifeline for trade, defense, and culture.
Minister of Tourism Haim Katz stated: "The Crusader fortress is a symbol of Akko's heritage. This project provides an innovative experience that revitalizes evening tourism, strengthens local businesses, and cements Akko's status as a premier destination."
Yuval Porat, CEO of the Old Akko Development Company, added: "Our goal is to restore the city's grandeur. Akko is a living, breathing World Heritage site, and through this new show, the fortress offers an experience unlike anything seen here before."
The show begins half an hour after dark. Tickets are priced at 59 NIS. For registration, visit: www.akko.org.il
