Bahai Gardens in Haifa, the third largest city in Israel, are a true wonder. They lie at the foot of Mount Carmel, at the Mediterranean Sea and they are suspended above the road Haziyonuth. Bahai Gardens in Haifa are among the most visited gardens in the world, annually attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists.
THE GARDENS, BAHAI RELIGION CENTER
Designed by architect Fariborz Sahba, the gardens represent the altar of Bahai believers, religion which gathers over five million followers. Bab’s tomb, the initiator of this belief is right in the middle, it has 40 square meters and it is covered by 14 thousand gold tiles, hence the name of Golden Dome. The tomb is surrounded by 18 terraces arranged in nine concentric circles representing the 18 disciples of Prophet Bab.
THE EIGHTH WONDER OF THE WORLD
The terraces are arranged in steps, covered with palm trees, cypresses and other species of Mediterranean plants, fountains, sculptures and meadows full of colorful flowers and the perfect architecture and symmetry gives the place an air of uniqueness. Cobblestone alleys are flanked by lawns of a perfect green, as if drawn, and from place to place are found marble sculptures. At this scenario that spans on no less than 200 thousand square meters is added the sight to the Mediterranean Sea. Farbiroz needed 14 years to finish his work.
DECENT ATTIRE DURING THE VISIT
The first tourists have seen the miracle of Haifa only in 2001. Until then the gardens were closed to the public. Entry is not paid because the maintenance of gardens is done with the money donated by believers. Access is from 9 am, only after rigorous checks of guards and decent attire is mandatory. At midday, because it is the hour of prayer, the gardens around the Duomo are closed, and the rest of terraces at 5 pm. Pay attention, the gardens can be visited only from the base of the mountain up, not the other way around, to not turn your back to Douma, where are the relics of the prophet Bab.
Since 2008, the Bahai Gardens are included in the Unesco world heritage.
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