Since the dawn of humankind, the landscape of the mountains meetings the sea is captivating. At the Carmel Mountain range, there are evidence of human activity more than 200,000 years old and the port town of Haifa, located at the junction of the Carmel and the Mediterranean Sea, is one of the most inspirational places in Israel.
If so, it is clear why Haifa became home and central place to many different religions and faiths, from Muslim and Christians to Ahmadis, Druze, and Baha'is, all have a place in the city that is often identified as a montage of peaceful coexistence in Israel.
Haifa is the second most important city in the world for the Baháʼí, after Acre, and its world center is in the city. The gardens, on which the center is established, are famous all over the world for their beauty and symmetry and are a must-visit place in Israel. The Baháʼí religion was founded in the 19th century, and it is considered to be the most recent religion to be founded. As so, it is built on the principles of democracy, equality and peace. A tour of the World center is an uplifting experience for the body and soul and a great way to get to know those special people and their beliefs.
Another unique community in Haifa is the one of the Ahmadis, an interesting denomination of Islam that emphasis the spiritual work of Allah. The only community of Ahmadis in Israel sitting in Haifa in a neighborhood called Kababir.
Acre has an authentic urban cross-culturalist soul. Acre is one of the major mixed cities in Israel, with a population made up of Jews, Muslims, Christians, Druze, and Baháʼís living together and sharing traditions. Acre exists since 3000 BC around, which makes Acre one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the whole world. The old city of Acre reveals some signs of the ancient fascinating times of Acre. A walking tour between the stone allies of the quarter can be an astonishing experience for everyone. “Must see” stops are the city walls and the Citadel of Acre. The best practice to walk in the old city is a guided tour. Acre has the great title of the “holiest city in Israel “. The holiest city for the Baháʼís . The founder prophet of the religion, Bahá’ú’lláh, lived in Acre for his last days and stated there the laws of the religion in a book known as the “Most Holy Book”, according to the Baháʼí faith. His remains are buried in the Bahá’í Holy Garden in Acre. The holy garden, open free to the public, is a wonderful-looking garden.
The Sea of Galilee, or Lake Kinneret. Israel’s largest freshwater lake and the lowest freshwater lake on Earth. A place is full of spirituality, amazing history and great nature as well. In the following article, we will Superficially explore the mysteries of the depth of Lake Kinneret, one of the most charming places in Israel for tourists. Bring up your curiosity and get ready to get wet a little.
When you think about important places for the Christian religion, Jerusalem might appear first in your mind. Even though, the area of the Sea of Galilee is not less important or historical, full of many sights and memorials for the ancient times of the first Christianity.
Nazareth, around 45 minutes driving from the Kinneret is the place where Mother Mary used to bathe young Jesus, according to the tradition. The old city of Nazareth holds 30 beautiful churches and monasteries, so it’s definitely a must-stop station for Christians and curious tourists as one. Closer to the Sea of Galilee you can find Capernaum National Park, also known as the “town of Jesus”. This unique place has important evidence for the early Christian religion, found in archaeological digging that took place in the ancient village. Today you can find there a modern esthetic church overlooking the waters of Lake Kinneret.
It’s important to state it’s not close to the end of the list. There are many more important sites for the Christian religion in the northern part of Israel, where the Sea of Galilee is located, such as the Yardenit, the mount of Tabor, the mount of Beatitudes and more.
Jerusalem. With 3800 years of human habitation, Jerusalem is considered one of the oldest cities in the world. Even though today it is super modernist – Jerusalem is the capital of Israel and the largest city in the country. On top of all of that, Jerusalem also has a unique and dignified title - holly city for the 3 major Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
A spiritual center for Jewish, Muslim and Christian people, the old city of Jerusalem is an excellent starting point for a great tour of the holy land. The old center is divided into 4 residential quarters: Christian, Jewish, Armenian, and Muslim, and in every one of each of them, you can find special unique magic. The old city encompasses the temple mount, where the western wall and the dome of the rock locating. Additionally, many wonderful sites exist within the walls of the old city, like gates, markets, churches etc. walking between the Jerusalem stone alleys of the historical old city.
Jerusalem hosts many of the Israeli national important institutions, including the supreme court, the Israeli parliament and the bank of Israel. Each of them is in an impressive structure, appropriate to its status. An additional important site is “Yad Vashem”, the Israeli official memorial to the holocaust victims. Open to the public, Yad Vashem exhibits a museum that tells the stories of the Jewish people in the holocaust and focuses on Jewish resistance in the Warsaw ghetto and other historical events from that time.
One of the most interesting and attractive cities is actually not in Israel. Bethlehem, about 10 km south of Jerusalem consider one of the most central cities of the west bank and the Palestine state.
Thousands of tourists come every year to visit Bethlehem. A lot of them are Christian pilgrims attracted by the Church of the Nativity, located in the city.
The church of nativity has a fancy history itself. It had a lot of changes and renovations which were inspired by the people who ruled the country at the moment, such as the Crusaders, Ottomans and more. Today it is an impressive church with unique decorations, fancy isles and a beautiful main altar.
Christmas in the Church of Nativity is a very special occasion. The Catholic Mass on Christmas Eve is broadcast all over the world and a huge number of believers watch it. The Christmas special spirit of Bethlehem is something very colorful and attractive with a lot of festivals and celebrations taking place in the city. Bethlehem is famous worldwide for it is importance to Christianity, but it has also an important Jewish holy site – the tomb of Rachel, the second wife of Jacob and one of the biblical Foremothers, is located at the entrance to the city.
The Dead Sea is famous worldwide because of its unique record: the lowest land- based elevation on Earth. How low exactly? 420 meters (1,378 ft) below sea level, what makes his shores 420 meters (1,378 ft) below sea level. No wonder that the Dead Sea was on the finalist list of the new wonders of the world. The famous record makes it a great attraction for tourists all over the world.
