About Bahá'í World Centre, Haifa and Bahji
The spiritual and administrative center of the Bahá'í Faith spreads across Haifa and Acre in northern Israel. On the slope of Mount Carmel, nineteen terraces of manicured gardens climb toward the golden domed Shrine of the Báb, the forerunner of the faith. White neoclassical buildings along an arc house the governing Universal House of Justice and other institutions. The Bahá'í Faith, founded in nineteenth century Iran, teaches the unity of God, religion and humanity.
Near Acre lies Bahji, where Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the faith, spent his last years and was buried in 1892. His shrine, set among geometric gardens, is the holiest place on earth for Bahá'ís and the point toward which they turn in prayer. Bahá'í pilgrims come on organized nine day programs, while other visitors can join free garden tours. UNESCO lists both sites as the Bahá'í Holy Places in Haifa and the Western Galilee.
What to see
- Shrine of the Báb
- Nineteen garden terraces on Mount Carmel
- Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh at Bahji
- The Arc buildings
- Mansion of Bahji
Visiting Bahá'í World Centre, Haifa and Bahji: practical guide
- Best time
- March to June and September to November
- Hours
- Gardens open most days except Wednesdays and Bahá'í holy days; check the official schedule
- Entry
- Free; guided terrace tours are free
- Dress code
- Shoulders and knees covered; respectful clothing at the shrines
- Nearest airport
- Ben Gurion Airport (TLV), 100 km
Tips from experienced pilgrims
- Free guided tours start at the top terrace; arrive early
- Remove shoes before entering the shrines
- Silence is requested inside shrine buildings
- Bahji is a 30 minute drive from Haifa
Festivals and special days
- Ridván
- Naw-Rúz
- Ascension of Bahá'u'lláh
- Birth of the Báb
Etiquette for visitors
Guidance drawn from Bahá'í Faith tradition. Always follow signs and local custodians.
- Dress modestly when visiting shrines and Houses of Worship.
- Remove shoes before entering the shrines in Haifa and Acre.
- Keep silent inside Houses of Worship, which are reserved for prayer and reading.
- Photography inside the shrines is not permitted.
- Book guided tours of the Haifa gardens in advance where possible.
- Do not bring food or drink into the gardens.
Location map
Open in OpenStreetMap · Get directions
Frequently asked questions
Where is Bahá'í World Centre, Haifa and Bahji?
Bahá'í World Centre, Haifa and Bahji is in Haifa, Haifa District, Israel, Asia. GPS coordinates: 32.8144, 34.9870. The nearest airport is Ben Gurion Airport (TLV), 100 km.
What is the best time to visit Bahá'í World Centre, Haifa and Bahji?
March to June and September to November
Is there an entry fee for Bahá'í World Centre, Haifa and Bahji?
Free; guided terrace tours are free Opening hours: Gardens open most days except Wednesdays and Bahá'í holy days; check the official schedule
What should I wear when visiting Bahá'í World Centre, Haifa and Bahji?
Shoulders and knees covered; respectful clothing at the shrines
Which religion is Bahá'í World Centre, Haifa and Bahji sacred to?
Bahá'í World Centre, Haifa and Bahji is sacred to Bahá'í Faith. Active place of worship. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
