The Baha'i Temple and surrounding gardens in Haifa

The port city of Haifa lies at the base of Mount Carmel and is packed with sites that are sacred to Jews, Muslims, Baha'i and Catholics.

Dominating this hilly city and overlooking Haifa bay is the golden dome of the Baha'i Temple. Surrounded by exquisite gardens, this is the spiritual and administrative headquarters of the Baha'i faith and the holiest pilgrimage site in this peaceful and inclusive religion.

Haifa is also where the Carmelite order was established in 1156 and the imposing Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery today graces the slopes of Mount Carmel. A hiking trail connects the monastery to what is believed to have been the cave of the Prophet Elijah, who sought refuge here during the reign of King Ahab. Jews, Christians and Muslims all revere Elijah and consider the cave sacred.