Israel, Haifa - Hanging Gardens

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The city of Haifa is located in northern Israel and is one of the largest city in the country. Haifa is a major Israeli seaport as it is situated along Israel's coastline on the Mediterranean Sea. The climate of Haifa is usually hot and dry with some rains in the rainy season. The rainy season is usually between  the months of November to February. It is about 3 hours by car from Tel Aviv.

The most famous tourist attraction of Haifa is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Baha'i Shrine (a.k.a. Baha'i World Center; a religious site of the Baha'i faith). The surrounding gardens of the Shrine, located in Mount Carmel, are also known as the Hanging Gardens of Haifa.

The Baha'i Gardens, Haifa, Israel (2002)

As this is a religious site, visitors have to observe proper attire, especially when visiting the sites near the buildings. Loud talking are also not advised.

The gardens are a delight to walk in and a marvel for the eyes. Designed to be almost symmetrical, it includes similarities to the Persian gardens of Shiraz. There are also elements of English gardens to the design.

The Baha'i Shrine seen from top down, Haifa, Israel (2002)

I have visited this garden several times. During each visit, I will usually spent a couple of hours just walking through the gardens, admiring the design and soaking in the peace and calm of the whole area. A truly wondrous treat for the soul.

Visitors to Haifa, be it for business or leisure, should take time to visit this famous garden. 

The lush gardens of the Baha'i Shrine, Haifa, Israel (2002)

A flowering tree in full bloom in the month of July, Baha'i Gardens, Haifa, Israel (2002)

Haifa is also a hub for arts and culture. All year round, numerous exhibitions, concerts and many special events are hosted in the city. There are theatres, performing arts centers and cultural centers in Haifa and the city even has its own symphony orchestra.

The city is also home to many museums including the Israel National Museum of Science, Technology and Space. The Tikotin Museum of Japanese Art is the only museum in the region to feature Japanese art.

Haifa is definitely more than just an industrial city. Make sure this magnificent northern Israeli city is on your travel itinerary on your next visit to the country!

A bird's eye view of the city and seaport of Haifa, Israel (2002)


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