Location Acre Denomination Roman Catholic Church | Country Israel | |
 | ||
Similar Khan al‑Umdan, El‑Jazzar Mosque, Al‑Muallaq Mosque, Bahá'í World Centre | ||
Dona nobis pacem in the terra sancta church in jerusalem
The Terra Sancta Church (Latin: Ecclesia Terra Sancta which means Holy Land Church) also alternatively Church of St. Francis is the name given to the Roman Catholic church located in the Old City of Acre in northern Israel. It should not be confused with the other Franciscan temple of the city, the Church of St. John Baptist.
According to historical documents of Acre since the thirteenth century the Franciscans gave great importance to the city.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 of St. Francis of Assisi visited the city between 1219 and 1220. In 1217 the first Franciscan monastery, founded by Father Elia Da Cortona was built. After the occupation of the city by Muslims, the Franciscans had to leave Acre to return in 1620 and the church Terra Sancta (Holy Land) were established in 1673. It is located in the center of Old Town, north of the structure known as Khan el-Franj.
The church is recognizable by the red needle of its Gothic tower, whose color distinguishes it from other towers and minarets in place.