The Bahai Holy Places and Gardens in ‘Akko and Haifa are the spiritual focal points for Bahá’í pilgrims who travel here from every part of the globe to visit and pray at these sacred spots. These sites are a gift to humanity and are open to every single member of the human race. Many return, again and again, to experience the changing seasons and relive the serene tranquility and uplifting spirit of these special places. In July 2008’ the Bahá’í Gardens in Haifa and ‘Akko were inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List, in recognition of their “outstanding universal value” as holy places and places of pilgrimage for the followers of the Bahá’í Faith. The beauty and magnificence of the Gardens and Terraces… are symbolic of the nature of the transformation which is destined to occur both within the hearts of the world’s peoples and in the physical environment of the planet.”
These Gardens, located in the heart of Haifa, comprise a staircase of nineteen terraces extending all the way up the northern slope of Mount Carmel. The golden-domed Shrine of the Báb, the resting place of the Prophet-Herald of the Bahá’í Faith, stands on the central terrace, looking across the bay towards ‘Akko.
They were designed to inspire your soul as much as your eyes. Everything in the garden is symbolic and represents the main tenets of the Bahai faith - the unity of all religions, the unity of all humanity and the beauty and unity of God's creation.
The 200,000 square meters of land were designed by Iranian architect Fariborz Sahba. Funding comes from donations made only by Bahais, the world over.