Baha’i Gardens

Standing in the German colony of Haifa, just blocks away from the Mediterranean, a strip of green climbs the mountain above. When you approach from below, details start to become apparent. The number 19 is the most sacred in Babism, so the strip of land is actually 19 terraces with paths connecting them. The tiers are lined with hedges, stones and flowers. The Shrine of the Bab sits near the top.

Bab is the founder of Babism, one of the three central figures of the Baha’i faith. The shrine, dedicated in 1953, is where his bones were laid to rest.

The Baha’i presence in Haifa is not just composed of a shrine and the garden. It includes the Baha’i World Center buildings. These are the Arc, the Seat of the Universal House of Justice, the Seat of the International Teaching Center, the Center for the Study of Sacred Texts, the International Archives, the International Baha’i Library and the Visitor’s Center. In addition, there is a smaller Bahai center near Acre, where Bahá'u'lláh is buried. Although the Baha’i Gardens are much better known, and absolutely beautiful, for Baha’i believers, the site in Acre is considered the holiest place on earth,

The light breeze and green grass are an amazing escape from the desert. Make sure to include the Baha’i Gardens (also known as the Hanging Gardens of Haifa) for a little more cultural diversity on your trip to Israel.