Bahai Gardens

The Bahá'í Gardens—geometric, meticulously manicured,and covering the northern slope of Mount Carmel—are Haifa’s most recognizable landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Rising up the summit of Mount Carmel are 19 curved terraces, filled with fountains, emerald lawns, bright flowers, and trimmed hedges. In the center of the gardens sits the domed Shrine of the Báb. Pilgrims come from all over the world to pay homage to the first leaders of the faith. Touring the site requires modest clothing, and if a cruise ship is in port, expect a crowd. (The gardens are closed on Baha’i holy days and Yom Kippur. In rainy weather, they may be closed temporarily as a safety measure because the pavements are slippery when wet.)

If you are planning a trip to Israel, make sure Haifa is on your list. Before traveling there myself, I had no idea that Haifa even existed until I saw that I would be spending two days there. Located in the north of Israel, Haifa is built on the landscape is rather similar to San Francisco. The hills offer spectacular views overlooking the Bay of Haifa. The Bahá'í Shrine and Gardens is not only a holy place for people of the Bahá'í faith, it’s also a touristic attraction. The site is open to the public but visitors are asked to show respect by speaking in low voices among other requests. It’s a great way to learn about Haifa’s unique culture and history while also taking in the view.

What surprised me most is that yet another faith finds the land of Israel sacred in addition to Judaism, Christianity, and Muslim. And, like Central Park, all of this beauty and serenity is smack in the middle of a bustling city. These gardens, located in the heart of Haifa, comprise a staircase of nineteen terraces extending all the way up the northern slope of Mount Carmel. The golden-domed Shrine of the Báb, the resting place of the Prophet-Herald of the Bahá’í Faith, stands on the central terrace, looking across the bay towards ‘Akko. While different parts of the gardens offer a variety of experiences, they are unified in a common language of graveled paths, hedges and flower beds groomed and nurtured by dedicated gardeners. The gardens frame panoramic views of the city, the Galilee Hills and the Mediterranean Sea.

Garden terraces around the Shrine of the Báb on Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel. 200,000 square metres of land, one kilometer up of Mount Carmel. Beautiful view of the Haifa. Haifa is the international headquarters for the Baha’i Faith, which began amidst persecution in Persia in the mid-19th century. Baha’is believe in the unity of all religions. I am not sure about that, but I am sure they know a lot about gardens. There is mix of shiraz, kashmir and english garden. This is one of the most visited place in Israel.