The Bahá’í Holy Places and Gardens in ‘Akko and Haifa

The Bahá’í Holy Places and Gardens in ‘Akko and Haifa are the spiritual focal points for Bahá’í pilgrims who travel here from every part of the globe to visit and pray at these sacred spots. The Gardens also constitute the way to approach places which are considered sacred. As such, they contribute to the spiritual experience, transforming a simple path into a process that enables the pilgrim to prepare him or herself to enter the holy place. These sites are a gift to humanity and are open to every single member of the human race. Many return, again and again, to experience the changing seasons and relive the serene tranquility and uplifting spirit of these special places. In July 2008’ the Bahá’í Gardens in Haifa and ‘Akko were inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List, in recognition of their “outstanding universal value” as holy places and places of pilgrimage for the followers of the Bahá’í Faith. The beauty and magnificence of the Gardens and Terraces… are symbolic of the nature of the transformation which is destined to occur both within the hearts of the world’s peoples and in the physical environment of the planet.”