Haifa

About Haifa

Haifa is a northern Israeli port city built on the slopes of Mount Carmel facing the Mediterranean Sea. It's known for its stunning Bahá'í Gardens, religious diversity, and vibrant cultural scene. As Israel's third-largest city, Haifa is a major industrial and technological center while offering beautiful beaches, historic neighborhoods, and breathtaking views from Mount Carmel.

Historical Context

Haifa has been settled for more than 3,000 years, with its name appearing in Talmudic literature from the 3rd century CE. The modern city began to take shape in the late 18th century when it was a small fishing village under Ottoman rule. The completion of the Jezreel Valley railway and the Haifa-Damascus railway transformed the city into a major transportation hub. During the British Mandate period (1918-1948), Haifa grew significantly as an industrial center and port city. Today, Haifa is known for its religious coexistence, with Jews, Muslims, Christians, Druze, and Bahá'ís living side by side, earning it the nickname "City of Coexistence." The iconic terraced Bahá'í Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site, have become the symbol of the city, attracting visitors from around the world.