Haifa

This beautiful seaport is a marvelous departure point for sight-seeing in Israel. Drive through the orange and olive groves of the Judaen hills to Jerusalem, or take an excursion to Jericho, Nazareth, Bethlehem, or Acre.

Activities

• Haifa University is situated on one of the Carmel peaks, 480m. above sea level. It is outstanding for its modern planning and three graduated buildings. For spectacular views of Haifa and the Bay area, visit the lookout point in the Eshkol Tower, the University's main building. The University also houses an art gallery with works displayed by artists, victims of the holocaust. A tour of the site includes the Visitors Center where a film is shown and a call at the Reuben and Edith Hecht Archaeological Museum.


• The Zoo and the Botanical Gardens are situated in Gan-Ha'em in the Carmel Center. The Zoo has a variety of animal species and some lovely secluded spots. Also visit the Botanical Gardens and the Nature Museum, where you can view stuffed animals and a rare collection of live snakes.


• "Mother's Park" is situated in the Carmel Center and offers a promenade, lovely lawns, a children play area and cafes. During the summer open air concerts and performances are held in the park.


• The Sculpture Garden is a beautiful setting for 22 bronze statues donated to the city by the scupltress Ursula Malbin. The garden perfectly combines art and nature and overlooks the Bay area and the Galilee landscape.


• The Bahai Shrine is a beautiful golden-domed Shrine is located on Mt. Carmel, the site of the Adminsistraative and Spiritual Center of the Baha'i Shrine. The remains of Said Ali Muhammad, one of the two founders of the Bahai religion are buried inside the Shrine. The spectacular Bahai Gardens, planted in 1909 and nurtured ever since surround the Shrine, by comparison, the interior of the Shrine has been done with utmost simplicity.


• A number of period styled houses still survive from the time German Templars settled in Haifa. Dating from 1868, many of the houses are located on Ben Gurion Avenue and in the immediate vicinity. The lovely houses and courtyards tell us of the Templars lifestyle.


• The focal point of Elijah the Prophet's activity, the cave has since become a pilgrimage site for believers of the three main religions. Visitors and pilgrims alike have recorded many inscriptions on the cave's walls, including Greek names and a Menorah.


• An impressive Church of the Carmelite Order, it serves as a pilgrimage center. The Stella Maris Church also houses a collection of antiquities.


• The Usfiya and Daliat-el-Carmel Druze villages are located on the Carmel summit. In the center of Daliat-el-Carmel you can find a colorful market, open daily except Fridays.

Currency

Currency in Israel: new Israeli shekel (ILS)

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