Visiting Israel: Baha'i Shrine

When in Haifa you will definitely want to visit the beautiful and breathtaking Baha'i Shrine and Gardens. It is an immaculately cared for garden that serves as a memorial to the beliefs and followers of the Baha'i faith and is filled with manicured cypress trees, beautifully carved stone peacocks, and hanging gardens that remind you of an ancient Babylonian city.

The Baha'i faith is a peaceful religion that was started in the 1800s in what was once known as Persia. The Baha'i believe that all religions should be one and that all the religious prophets, including Jesus, Muhammad, and Buddha, were all sent by the same God at different times throughout history to spread the word of peace. Because of their all-encompassing beliefs, the Baha'i were savagely persecuted and run out of their homeland. Today, Haifa is considered the headquarters of the Baha'i faith.

Within the gardens you will find a huge religious shrine and tomb that is adorned with an intricate display of gold worked flowers carved into the shrine. The tomb is that of an important Baha'i religious figure that died a martyr’s death and was secretly moved to this site by devoted followers of the religion. It is truly a beautiful sight to see amongst the beautiful plant life.

The gardens themselves are really meant to be a thank you to the city of Haifa for providing them refuge after being persecuted for their beliefs. The plants and garden designs here are recognized by those in the horticultural field as internationally important and one of the most beautiful gardens in the world.