Bahá’i Holy Places
The Bahá’i Holy Places in Haifa and the Western Galilee represent the Bahá’i faith and their pilgrimage tradition. The Bahá'í Faith is a religion founded by Bahá'u'lláh in nineteenth-century Persia. There are an estimated five to six million Bahá'ís around the world in more than 200 countries and territories.
The designated site consists of 26 different monuments in the northern Israeli cities Acre and Haifa.
Visit August 2000
In 2000 I visited Haifa, about 2 hours north of Jerusalem by public bus. A different world again: warm and dusty here. The city is built against a steep slope. The local Baha'i-temple is the shiny highlight in this rather disappointing city (sorry to the locals!). You can have a look inside the temple, but there's not much to see for the casual visitor.
Reviews
Xeres Nelro (Canada):
 I only visited the most famous part of this complex: the Shrine of the Bab and the Persian gardens which surround it (in Haifa). It is a peacefully, pretty place. The gardens are terraced, which makes them look neat from both above and below. A profusion of purple a green colours greet the visitor. The gardens are great, and make good use of the path in the artistic beauty, something not seen everywhere. The view from the gardens over Haifa, and the plains and mountains of Israel is one of the best views you will ever find in Israel.
On to the Shrine, which pales in comparison to the gardens. It is a nice, elegant building: but not spectacular, it would not top anyones list of most amazing buildings. However it is situated in the best possible spot in relation to the gardens. This makes a complete picture of loveliness. This site deserves its inscription on the World Heritage List mostly on its importance to the Baha'i Faith, not its architectural merit (although I think the garden could hold up to the best in the world).
This site however is quite easy to visit while one is in Israel. Israel is a small country, and Haifa is only 1 hour from Jerusalem, and less from Tel-Aviv. Israel is a wonderful country and I highly recommend a visit!!!! |
| Date posted: August 2008 |
Assif Am-David (Israel):
The only Bahai site in Israel I've been to is the Bahai Temple in Haifa. It's situated atop the Carmel and overlooks the harbour and the German Colony. The gardens follow the "falling" type, meaning they literally cover the entire sloap of the mountain. You need to reserve a guided tour in which you get to hear about the Bahai faith. This is the only way to visit the site but these visits cost nothing. Disappointingly, you are only allowed to step downhill as stepping uphill is reserved for Bahai pilgrims. |
| Date posted: May 2008 |
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