Tower of Flies 🇮🇱

When you visit the medieval city-port of Acre, Israel, you can look out across the harbor to view the visible ruins of the Tower of Flies. Also known as Turris Muscarum, this formidable ancient fort sits on a small island where it once protected the city's rich maritime trade and served as a lighthouse. While its exact origins remain unknown, it was likely built in Phoenician times before European Crusaders heavily redeveloped it following the First Crusade. You will discover a site packed with centuries of dramatic naval history.

Crusaders named the structure because they mistakenly believed they had arrived in the Biblical city of Ekron, home of the deity Ba'al-zebub, and noted garbage frequently left at the location. During the Third Crusade, Conrad of Montferrat attempted an attack on the tower, but adverse winds and underwater rocks kept his ship away. Later, during the War of St. Sabas, Genoese forces captured it in 1267 to blockade the harbor for twelve days before Venetians evicted them.

In the late 18th century under Ottoman ruler Jazzar Pasha, the tower gained a sinister reputation as a dungeon while anchoring a giant chain across the water to prevent ship entry. Today, you can marvel at these resilient ruins overlooking the port.

What to see at Tower of Flies

• Ancient island guard tower and lighthouse ruins
• Historic site of giant harbor defense chains
• Fortress attacked during the Third Crusade
• Former 18th-century Ottoman dungeon

Visiting tips

Look out toward the harbor island to spot the visible ancient ruins of this historic watchtower.

How long: 1 hour · Best time: Daytime

How to get there & what’s nearby

Tower of Flies 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.