Set at the northwestern corner of the Carmel, Haifa is the third largest city in Israel. Its main expansion took place in the 1930s, when the British developed a large port in the city for transferring Petrol from Iraq. Today, the port is also used by cruise boats, and is a popular starting point for a day tour of northern Israel. Although the city itself has the reputation of a working city, it does have several unique tour attractions.
Haifa’s best (and one of the most popular) tour attractions is a must-see. The gardens are a part of the Bahai World headquarters and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Completed in 2011, the 18-terrace garden is popularly known for its tranquil energy and spiritual significance within the Bahai faith.
Founded in 1868 by the Pietist German Protestant congregation, the Templars, Haifa’s German Colony remains one of the city’s main attractions. After a successful restoration, the German Colony today offers vibrant experiences, notably trendy restaurants, hotels, and boutique shops.
Set at the pinnacle of the Carmel, Stella Maris Monastery is a remarkable landmark in Haifa and the international headquarters of the Carmelites, a monastic movement established in the Crusaders period. In 1767 they acquired a plot above Elijah’s Cave for a new monastery, whose main church is thoughtfully painted with detailed scenes from both the Old Testament and the New Testament,
Subtly hidden under the tip of Mt. Carmel, Elijah’s Cave is known as the place where Elijah hid from Queen Jezebel (1 King 19). The site has been revered since the Byzantine period, possibly even earlier. Today, it’s a holy place for Jews, Christians, Muslims, and Druze. Although it strongly resembles a synagogue, it is open to all.
Located opposite Elijah’s Cave and close to Haifa’s coastlines, the National Maritime Museum in Haifa is a must-see for anyone fond of seafaring. The museum presents five millennia of naval history, from prehistory to modern times. Established in 1952, the museum is based on Aryeh Ben-Eli’s private collection, the founder and first director of the museum.
Haifa’s Science Museum (“Madatech”)
Founded in 1987, MadaTech is Israel’s National Museum for Science, design, technology, and Space after serving as a building for the Technion. For over thirty years, MadaTech has been diligently working towards its mission of teaching Israel’s younger populations and the general public about science and technology through engaging and fun activities and exhibitions.
‘Technion’ Institute of Technology Visitor Center
Opening its doors in 1924, the Technion, Israel Institute of Technology is Israel’s first university, determined to revolutionize scientific and technical education. The David and Janet Polak Visitors Center gives the public a first-hand experience of what Technion offers. Interactive exhibits, multimedia displays, and engaing presentations highlight the university’s impact on Israel’s development.
Hecht Museum
Located at the University of Haifa, the Hecht Museum opened its doors in 1984. Dr. Reuven Hecht is credited with the idea behind this project, and he dedicated himself to it until his death in 1993. This museum is well-known for its collections of archeological artifacts from the Canaanite period to the end of the Byzantine period that relate to Jewish history.
The Druze people are an Arabic-speaking ethnoreligious group established in Egypt in the 11th century CE. Uniquely, the Druze living in Israel are loyal to the state. They serve in the Israeli Defense Forces and have a special standing in Israel’s political realm. The Druze villages, located in the Carmel, are popular destinations. Druze families commonly sell homecooked meals (absolutely delicious!) and have bed and breakfast rentals in their villages. They are most popularly known for their markets and restaurants.
A popular pilgrimage destination, the Muhraqa is a monastery standing on a cliff in the Carmel mountains. This site marks one of the most spectacular events in the bible, a contest between Jehovah, the God of the Israelites, and the Pagan deity of Ba’al. Today, it’s maintained by the Carmelites. This site offers breathtaking, panoramic views of the Jezreel Valley, the Galilee, and the Mediterranean coast.
Formed by the British in 1938 to detain Jews attempting to reach the Land of Israel, Atlit camp operated until 1947. In 1987, Israel converted the site into a museum presenting the history of the camp and the Jewish clandestine immigration during the British Mandate period.
Set along the seashore, thirteen miles south of Haifa, the Templar knights built the fortress of Atlit in 1218 CE to reinforce their hold along the Mediterranean coastline. The fortress stood against Muslim attacks, until its final fall in August of 1291 CE. Unfortunately, today, this site is part of an Israeli military base, limiting civilian access.
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Located opposite Elijah’s Cave and close to Haifa’s coastlines, the National Maritime Museum in Haifa is a must-see for anyone fond of seafaring. The museum presents five millennia of naval history, from prehistory to modern times. Established in 1952, the museum is based on Aryeh Ben-Eli’s private collection, the founder and first director of the museum.
A popular pilgrimage destination, the Muhraqa is a monastery standing on a cliff in the Carmel mountains. This site marks one of the most spectacular events in the bible, a contest between Jehovah, the God of the Israelites, and the Pagan deity of Ba’al. Today, it’s maintained by the Carmelites. This site offers breathtaking, panoramic views of the Jezreel Valley, the Galilee, and the Mediterranean coast.
