Akko Launches $4.5 Million Light and Sound Show to Revive Tourism in Old City

The Israeli Ministry of Tourism and the Akko and Nazareth Development Company have unveiled a new large-scale light and sound show at the Crusader Fortress in Akko's Old City. The project, costing approximately 15 million shekels (around $4.5 million), transforms the ancient stone walls into a dynamic stage using advanced video mapping technology. This immersive 35-minute show is projected by 22 high-tech projectors and is designed to visually narrate Akko's rich history from ancient times through the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Muslim, Crusader, Ottoman, British Mandate periods, and up to modern Israel, with the Mediterranean Sea serving as a connecting theme throughout.

The production, created by the French company COSMOAV, known for international projects including the renewed opening show of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, features original music and a universal visual language without spoken words. It is fully accessible to people with disabilities, including special audio aids for the hearing impaired and audio descriptions for the visually impaired. A new grandstand was built at the fortress plaza, and over 10 kilometers of optical fiber were installed to support advanced sound and viewing experiences.

The initiative aims to revitalize nightlife in Akko's Old City, increase evening visitor traffic, support local businesses, and encourage new investments and entrepreneurship. The show complements existing artistic lighting installations in the city and port. Yuval Porat, CEO of the Akko Development Company, emphasized that the show "tells Akko's story in a powerful and moving way, connecting history with advanced technology" and aims to restore tourism and cultural vibrancy to the area. The show runs nightly starting half an hour after sunset, with tickets priced at 59 shekels and available through the official website.