Al-Muallaq Mosque 🇮🇱

Perched along the edge of Acre’s Old City market between Khan al-Umdan and Khan al-Ifranj, the Al-Muallaq Mosque offers you a fascinating glimpse into the layered history of northern Israel. Also known as the Mosque of Daher al-Umar, this unique site is elevated over the street and boasts a complex past. Originally built over a Crusader-era structure that once served as the gate to the Genoese quarter, the building functioned as the Ramchal Synagogue until 1746.

In 1758, Acre's Arab ruler, Daher al-Umar, transformed the Jewish-owned property into a mosque, compensating the local Jewish community with a new synagogue elsewhere in their quarter. As you explore the site, you can discover remnant features of its Jewish heritage, including inscriptions in Hebrew and the niche that once housed the Holy Ark. Outside, you will recognize the mosque by its low-lying dome and the remaining round base of its former minaret, which was demolished in 1950 for safety.

Enter through a covered stairway beneath this minaret base to reach a quiet courtyard. Ahead, a triple-domed portico leads into the main, square-shaped prayer hall, positioned right beside a smaller room that formerly housed a library.

What to see at Al-Muallaq Mosque

• Distinctive elevated position along Acre's Old City market
• Fascinating history evolving from a Crusader gate to a synagogue and mosque
• Preserved Hebrew inscriptions and niche from the original Holy Ark
• Architectural elements including a triple-domed portico and former library
• Historic entrance located beneath the remaining round base of the original minaret

Visiting tips

Look closely inside to spot leftover historical traces, such as the niche for the Holy Ark and Hebrew inscriptions dating to the building's time as a synagogue.

How long: 30-60 minutes · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Al-Muallaq Mosque is easy to reach on Acre’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Jezzar Pasha Mosque and Ghetto Fighters' House. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Acre travel guide.