Terra Sancta Church

Summary

The Terra Sancta Church[1][2] (Latin: Ecclesia Terra Sancta which means Holy Land Church), also alternatively Church of St. Francis, is the name given to one of the two Franciscan-run Roman Catholic churches located in the Old City of Acre[3][4] in northern Israel, the other one being the Church of St. John the Baptist.

Terra Sancta Church
Map
LocationAcre
Country Israel
DenominationRoman Catholic Church

History edit

According to historical documents of Acre, since the thirteenth century the Franciscans gave great importance to the city. They believed that the founder of the Order, St. Francis of Assisi, visited the city between 1219 and 1220. In 1217 the first Franciscan monastery, founded by Father Elias of Cortona was built.

After the 1291 conquest of the city by Muslims, the Franciscans had to leave Acre only to return in 1620. The Terra Sancta Church was established in 1673.

Location and description edit

The Terra Sancta Church was established in 1673. It is located in the centre of Acre's Old City, north of the caravansary known as Khan el-Faranj.

The church is recognisable by the red spire of its Gothic tower, whose colour distinguishes it from other towers and minarets.

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ «Old Acre - The Franciscan Terra Sancta Church»
  2. ^ Jacobs, Daniel; Eber, Shirley; Silvani, Francesca (1998-01-01). Israel and the Palestinian Territories. Rough Guides. ISBN 9781858282480.
  3. ^ "The Churches of Acre - Bein Harim Tours - Blog". Bein Harim Tours - Blog. 2014-12-11. Retrieved 2016-05-18.
  4. ^ "The Franciscan Terra Santa Church, monastery and school - old Akko (Acre), Israel. | 12 pieces jigsaw puzzle". Jigidi - Free online jigsaw puzzles. Retrieved 2016-05-18.
 
Church from the sea

32°55′17″N 35°04′12″E / 32.9214°N 35.0700°E / 32.9214; 35.0700