The City Of Haifa
The city of Haifa in Israel is the third-largest one in the country, and it is also considered the north’s capital. Archaeological remains date back to 15th-century BCE. In the south of Haifa Bay, Tel Abu-Huam is an important archaeological site, which denotes that Haifa was a port city in ancient times. Indeed, this beautiful city is one of the two largest port cities of Israel’s State and an important maritime trade centre.
The city’s population is a blend of Jews and Arabs, and it is also an important centre of pilgrimage for the Bahá’í religion. Topographically it is a diversified city. Indeed, most part of Haifa is built on a flat area along the Mediterranean sea, while other parts reside on Mount Carmel’s slopes. Like every big city, Haifa is a cultured city, and it offers a lot of entertainment and many activities.
The Terraces Of The Baháʼí Faith
“The Terraces of the Baháʼí Faith” or “the Hanging Gardens of Haifa” are garden terraces, which surround the Shrine of the Báb on Mount Carmel. They are one of the most renowned tourist attractions in Israel. The Iranian architect Fariborz Sahba designed the gardens in 1987. In 2001 the terraces were open to the public. The gardens stretch up to 1 km covering a surface of 200,000 m2. A set of stairs connect the gardens, which have elements similar to the gardens in Iran, India and England. Moreover, they offer a magnificent panorama of the city and the beaches. Indeed, The Bahá’í Gardens are a feast for the eyes and have a unique and spectacular beauty.
Elijah’s Cave
There is the’ Elijah’s Cave’ on Mount Carmel’s slopes, between the Bat Galim neighbourhood and the Stella Maris neighbourhood. According to the Jewish tradition, the prophet Elijah hid in this cave, while the rest fled from Ahab, the king of Israel. As early as the Middle Ages, Jewish pilgrims visited a cave, which had healing abilities according to the belief. There is a rock with a seven-branched lamp engraved with the inscription: “Israel ben Koma” on the cave walls. It might come from the Byzantine period. Today, the cave walls are filled with notes of prayers and, outside the cave, it is common to light candles and pray because it is considered a holy place.
The Tomb Of Avdimi Of Haifa
Walking along Elijah’s path, the prophet Elisha ben Shaft lived during the reign of the kings Jehoash, Jehoahaz, Jehu Ahaziah, and Yoram, buried on Mount Carmel above the Cave of Elijah. Apart from the ‘tomb of Elisha ben Shaft’, another important monument is the Tomb of Rabbi Avdimi d’min Haifa, one of Israel’s greatest amoraim during the 3rd and 4th centuries. There is a controversy regarding Rabbi Moshe Bar Nachman the Ramban tomb, but many believers assume that his grave is in the ancient Jewish cemetery near Jaffa Street.
Haifa As Modern And Active City
The entertaining and shopping malls in Haifa, the Haifa’s Flea Market, and the German Colony hosts various restaurants. In Haifa you have a large selection of beaches:
- Student beach is the beloved and popular student beach among the city’s young people;
- Bat Galim beach is a small and quiet beach in the heart of Bat Galim neighbourhood;
- Hof Hacarmel beach is in the northern part of Hof Hacarmel promenade;
- Dado beach and Zamir beach are beaches in the south of Haifa.
There are various accommodation options, such as hostels, vacation apartments, modest hotels, boutique hotels, and luxurious hotels. The accommodations on Mount Carmel offer a stunning view of the city, while the ones close to the sea give the possibility to shortly reach the sea. Haifa is an excellent destination for a trip, which combines history and culture along the Mediterranean’s shores and the mountain.
