The Bahá'í Faith, founded in 19th-century Persia, has its spiritual and administrative center in Israel – specifically in Haifa and Acre. The Bahá'í Gardens in Haifa, with their 19 terraces cascading down Mount Carmel, are one of Israel's most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Bahá'í Faith emphasizes the unity of all religions and humanity, the harmony of science and religion, and the elimination of prejudice. There are approximately 5-7 million Bahá'ís worldwide, but ironically, there is no Bahá'í community living in Israel – the World Centre staff are volunteers who come from around the globe to serve for periods of time.
The Shrine of the Báb in Haifa and the Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh near Acre are the two holiest sites for Bahá'ís. The gardens surrounding these shrines are maintained to perfection, symbolizing the Bahá'í belief in the harmony between the spiritual and material worlds.
Visiting the Bahá'í Gardens is a serene and uplifting experience. The attention to detail in every plant, path, and stone is extraordinary. Free guided tours are offered daily, and the view from the top terrace – looking down over the gardens to the Mediterranean – is one of the most beautiful in all of Israel.