Walking Tour of Haifa

Haifa: Ba'hai GardensThe beautiful Ba'hai Gardens are located in the heart of Haifa, begin at the historic German Colony and extend all the way up the northern slope of Mount Carmel and are comprised of nineteen terraces and immaculately pristine and colorful gardens. At the top of the gardens stands the golden-domed Shrine of the Bab, the prophet of the Baha'i Faith. From every terrace you will see amazing panoramic views of the Haifa bay and environs. The Baha'i Garden's unique design combines geometrical shapes of the graveled paths, hedges and flower beds nurtured by dedicated gardeners with loving conservation of natural and historic landscape features and leaves an indelible impression on visitors. Experience the serene tranquility and uplifting environment of this special place.Haifa: Kever of Eliyahu HaNavi (Cave of Elijah the Prophet): Elijah, known in Hebrew as Eliyahu haNavi, is arguably the most famous of the Biblical prophets. The Cave of Elijah is located on Mount Carmel in Haifa, just beneath the Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery. In the cave itself, as in most Jewish holy sites, there are separate sections for men and women. There is an ark for a Torah scroll inside the cave. Look for the designated spot in the ceiling where visitors have the custom of inserting a piece of paper with a prayer request, much as is done at the Kotel in Jerusalem. Look to the right side of the cave for ancient inscriptions in Greek and in Hebrew. There are also etchings of two menorahs (seven-branched candelabras). You’ll almost certainly encounter individuals praying here. It would not be unusual to come upon a family celebrating a brit, a halaka (the first haircut of a three year-old Jewish boy), a Bar Mitzvah or even a soldier’s safe return from army service.