Opposite the Ahmed el-Jazzar Mosque, is the entrance to the massive complex of buildings occupied by the Knights of St John, the "Crusader city", which now lies underground. It was buried under a great mound of earth on which Ahmed el-Jazzar built his Citadel. Much of the complex was excavated between 1955 and 1964. In the northern part were found seven rooms, presumably belonging to the seven "tongues" (national groups) of which the order of St John was composed. One of them is now used as a concert hall. More important, however, is the extraordinary spatial effect of this monumental structure. The underground passage, originally 350m/380yds long, dates from the Persian period and was used by the Crusaders as a secret means of access to the harbor. It now runs for only 65m/70yds to the Bosta, a part of the building which was used by the Knights as a refuge and hospice for pilgrims.
Address: 10 Hahagana Street
Phone # 972-4-9816538 / 9813651
Opposite the Ahmed el-Jazzar Mosque, is the entrance to the massive complex of buildings occupied by the Knights of St John, the "Crusader city", which now lies underground. It was buried under a great mound of earth on which Ahmed el-Jazzar built his Citadel. Much of the complex was excavated between 1955 and 1964. In the northern part were found seven rooms, presumably belonging to the seven "tongues" (national groups) of which the order of St John was composed. One of them is now used as a concert hall. More important, however, is the extraordinary spatial effect of this monumental structure. The underground passage, originally 350m/380yds long, dates from the Persian period and was used by the Crusaders as a secret means of access to the harbor. It now runs for only 65m/70yds to the Bosta, a part of the building which was used by the Knights as a refuge and hospice for pilgrims.