The Citadel of Akko, an Ottoman fortress built on Crusader foundations, served as the main British prison in northern Palestine during the Mandate period. Jewish underground fighters from the Irgun, Lehi, and Haganah were imprisoned and, in some cases, executed here. The prison museum today tells a story of resistance, sacrifice, and one of the most daring prison breaks of the 20th century.
The Prisoners
The British used the Akko prison to hold members of the Jewish underground organizations who were captured during operations against the Mandate authorities. Conditions were harsh, and the prisoners were held alongside common criminals. Several members of the Irgun and Lehi were sentenced to death and hanged in the prison. The execution chamber, preserved in the museum, is one of the most sobering spaces in any Israeli memorial.
The 1947 Breakout
On May 4, 1947, the Irgun staged an audacious assault on the prison, blasting through the walls and freeing 41 prisoners. The operation involved simultaneous diversionary attacks across Akko to draw British forces away from the prison. Nine attackers were killed during the operation, and several were captured and later hanged. The breakout made international headlines and embarrassed the British administration, contributing to the growing pressure to end the Mandate.
The Museum
The prison has been converted into a museum documenting the underground resistance to British rule. The cells, the courtyard, the execution chamber, and the escape route are all accessible. The combination of the Crusader-Ottoman architecture and the modern history of the independence struggle creates a powerful and layered experience.
Visit with Hoshen Tours
The Akko Prison museum adds depth to any visit to Akko. Hoshen Tours includes it alongside the Crusader halls, the old city, and the port.