MyWorldReviews.com

Terraces of the Shrine of the Bab (Bahai Gardens)

Haifa, Haifa, Israel

What an experience! The Bahai Gardens in Haifa are the most beautiful gardens I've seen. They are very large, and designed purely for beauty. The informational brochure informs visitors that none of the design elements have any religious or symbolic significance.

My favorite aspect of the gardens is how incredibly well maintained everything is. Each flower, each stone, each stair, and each drop of water is exactly where it needs to be. It becomes even more impressive when you realize how big the gardens are, and that each terrace in the gardens are equally beautiful and well cared for. One of the other members in our group said that if she were a leaf, she'd be afraid to blow in the wind.

The gardens are composed of 19 different terraces, although the upper guided tour only takes you to visit the upper 10 terraces. Since the terraces are mostly the same (with variations in sculptures and color), I felt that visiting the top 10 terraces was sufficient to appreciate the beauty of the gardens. I think a separate tour exhibits the lower terraces. The terrace in the middle of the gardens is larger, and contains the Shrine of the Bab.

Although free, entrance into the gardens is only permissible in a group with a guided tour.

Estimated Visiting Time

From the middle terrace, looking at the Bab Shrine

The guided tour lasts for approximately 45 minutes. You can then spend time on your own wandering around in the middle terrace, and visiting the Shrine of Bab (depending on the time you arrive). The tours are provided in Hebrew, unless there is a large group that speaks another language. When we went, one of the staff members that accompanied our group spoke English, and was able to answer any questions I had in English. It is not necessary to understand the tour to appreciate the beauty of the gardens. Most of the information on the tour is available on an brochure.

Cost

Looking down at the Bahai Gardens from the top

The tours are free. If you are not a follower of the Bahai faith, donations are not accepted.

Dress

Looking up at the terraces

Shorts and a t-shirt are fine for men, but women should wear pants or a skirt, and wear a shirt that covers their shoulders.

Other Rules

No pets, weapons, or snacks are permitted. Children must be accompanied by parents, and are not permitted to play in the gardens. Photography and video filming is permitted. Reservations for tours are required.