Atop the northern point of Haifa’s Mount Carmel reside the breathtaking Baha’i Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a pilgrimage destination for followers of the Baha’i Faith. Completed in 1953, these terraced gardens are a stunning expression to the religion’s core principles of peace, unity, and harmony with nature and humanity.

The Baha’i Faith itself is the youngest monotheistic religion in the world, founded in 1844 by Bahá’u’llah in Persia (modern-day Iran).  A central figure in the faith was a man named Siyyid Ali Muhammad, reffered to as the Báb (meaning the “gate”), who acted as a forerunner to Bahá’u’llah, paving the way for his teachings. After a long journey to bring his body to burial on the Carmel by worshipers, a mausoleum was built for the Báb within the golden-domed Shrine on the central terrace, a beacon overlooking the Haifa Bay.

The Gardens themselves are a masterpiece of design, with nineteen terraces cascading down the mountainside. Each terrace is meticulously landscaped, boasting a riot of colorful flowers, manicured hedges, and cascading water features.  The design incorporates symbolism – nine concentric circles represent the completeness of the faith, while the use of flowing water reflects the importance of spiritual purification.  Interestingly, the gardens are maintained by Baha’is on special visas, allowing them to express their faith through tending the land.

While the Gardens are a major tourist attraction, they are also a place of profound spiritual significance. The Haifa Baha’i World Center, located adjacent to the Gardens, serves as the religion’s international administrative body. Here, nine elected officials guide the faith’s global operations.

A visit to the Baha’i Gardens is a must for anyone visiting Haifa. Free guided tours are available in various languages, offering a chance to delve deeper into the faith’s history and appreciate the Gardens’ symbolic beauty.