They are located in terraces on the slopes of Mount Carmel. A park of rare beauty, thanks to which it was even included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.

Hello!

This trip to Haifa with a visit to the Bahai Gardens is one of the most vivid impressions from visiting Israel.

Haifa is located in the north of the country, and it is believed that the climate here is one of the most pleasant in Israel, not so deadly hot.

Why are gardens Bahai?

These gardens, more precisely, a huge well-thought-out park ensemble, were created by the followers of the Baha’i religion. This is the youngest religion, it is not more than 200 years old.

The essence of religion is that God the Creator is one for all. But at different times he sent his different prophets to different peoples, whom these peoples were able to understand and accept at this historical stage. These prophets organized all the major modern religions. Therefore, all prophets and all religions are equal and have the right to exist.

The Baha’i religion can be considered an attempt to unite people, regardless of nationality and color, religion. It is Unity that is the pillar of religion.

The Baha’i faith highly values ​​education, welcomes scientific and technological progress, worships the beauty of nature, calls for the harmony of nature and man.

Sayyid Ali Muhammad from Persia is considered the founder of the Baha’i Faith. In 1844, this man, then a young merchant, proclaimed that soon a prophet would appear on Earth who would bring unity and peace to people. Sayyid Ali had many followers: people have always wanted peace. And Sayyid was given the name Bab (or Baab), which means «gate». It meant — the gate to a new, meaningful peaceful life.

The most faithful follower of the Baab, Bahá’u’lláh, developed and spread the teaching.

In Haifa, on Mount Carmel, there is the tomb of Baab — an elegant mausoleum under a golden dome, built in the best oriental traditions.

Mausoleum of Baab, Haifa. The photo was taken by the author from the bus, through the glass. Mausoleum of Baab, Haifa. The photo was taken by the author from the bus, through the glass.

It was considered an honor to donate to the establishment of the Baha’i Gardens

The Bahai gardens were created entirely with donations from the followers of this religion. Moreover, it was considered a great honor to make a donation.

The gardens are created exclusively by the labors of the Bahá’ís. Of course, free, voluntary. And now Baha’is also work in these gardens, and also for free.

And the work there is great. My photos show how well maintained these gardens are. They are beautiful at any time of the year and in any weather. There is a constant replacement of some plants by others: some have faded, new, flowering plants are planted to replace them. Every wilted inflorescence, every yellowed or dried leaf is removed …

Israel. Haifa. Bahai Gardens. Photo of the author. Israel. Haifa. Bahai Gardens. Photo of the author.

Everything is very strict in the Bahai Gardens

A «wild» tourist cannot get here. At least when we went, shortly before Covid, they didn’t let us in. Only with a tour group.

You can walk on your own only in the lower and upper parts of the gardens.

Since the park is part of a religious complex, it is important to follow the dress code. Visitors’ shoulders and knees must be covered.

Tourists can only walk on the terraces from top to bottom. Only Bahá’ís are allowed to climb the stairs of the gardens.

At the entrance — a strict check and briefing. You cannot bring sandwiches, ice cream, or even a bottle of water with you. You can’t chew gum. You can not immerse your hands in streams and fountains. Walk only on red carpets.

in the gardens

The gardens are open to the public every day except Wednesdays. From 9.00 to 17.00. The visit is free.

Guided tours are held every hour, in Hebrew, English and Russian.

The author of the unique project is the architect Faribors Sahba.

Our tour started from the upper entrance, from Rue Louis.

The guards strictly checked for weapons, instructed about the prohibitions.

In total, the gardens consist of 19 terraces, but not all terraces are open to tourists.

The beauty and cleanliness of the garden is amazing. In addition to the fact that it is impossible to stop admiring the garden itself, there are also stunning views of the area from the observation decks.

Israel. Haifa. Bahai Gardens. Photo from personal archive. Israel. Haifa. Bahai Gardens. Photo from personal archive.

You can’t go to the middle tier of the garden on your own: the openwork gates are closed for tourists. We got out, got back on the bus and went down. Again with a guide we went to the Bahai Gardens.

Israel. Haifa. Bahai Gardens. Photo from personal archive. Israel. Haifa. Bahai Gardens. Photo from personal archive.

And again — a riot of greenery, fresh flowers, a clear geometry of paths, marble galleries, sculptures … The lawns are perfectly trimmed. Not a single pebble on the paths dares to lie unevenly.

Israel. Haifa. Bahai Gardens. Photo of the author. Israel. Haifa. Bahai Gardens. Photo of the author. Israel. Haifa. Bahai Gardens. Photo from personal archive. Israel. Haifa. Bahai Gardens. Photo from personal archive. Israel. Haifa. Bahai Gardens. Photo from personal archive. Israel. Haifa. Bahai Gardens. Photo from personal archive. Israel. Haifa. Bahai Gardens. Photo from personal archive. Israel. Haifa. Bahai Gardens. Photo from personal archive.

After we visited the middle tier, we had to leave the gardens again, take the bus below, and again enter the garden through the guards with pistols.

Israel. Haifa. Bahai Gardens. Mausoleum of Baab. Photo of the author. Israel. Haifa. Bahai Gardens. Mausoleum of Baab. Photo of the author.

Views from the top of the gardens. Both Haifa and the port are in full view.

Israel. Haifa. Bahai Gardens. Photo of the author. Israel. Haifa. Bahai Gardens. Photo of the author. Israel. Haifa. Bahai Gardens. Photo of the author. Israel. Haifa. Bahai Gardens. Photo of the author. Israel. Haifa. Bahai Gardens. Photo from personal archive. Israel. Haifa. Bahai Gardens. Photo from personal archive. Israel. Haifa. Bahai Gardens. Photo from personal archive. Israel. Haifa. Bahai Gardens. Photo from personal archive. Israel. Haifa. Bahai Gardens. Photo of the author. Israel. Haifa. Bahai Gardens. Photo of the author. Israel. Haifa. Bahai Gardens. Photo of the author. Israel. Haifa. Bahai Gardens. Photo of the author. Israel. Haifa. Bahai Gardens. Photo of the author. Israel. Haifa. Bahai Gardens. Photo of the author.

Amazing place! It’s always beautiful here. I really hope that someday I will have the opportunity to visit here again.

What impression did the Bahai Gardens make on you? Share your opinion in the comments.

Health to everyone!