The Bahá’í 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.
The Gardens at Bahjí in ‘Akko form a wide circle surrounding the historic mansion where Bahá’u’lláh, the Prophet-Founder of the Bahá’í Faith, resided during the final years of His life and the Shrine where His remains were laid to rest. To Bahá’ís, this is the holiest spot on earth.
