Haifa

Haifa, the third largest city in Israel, lies on the western slope of Mount Carmel, descending to the Mediterranean shore. Of course, the very location of the city offers magnificent views of the sea and Mount Carmel area.

Haifa has a shrine and a few institutions important for Baha'i faith and is a centre of Baha'i religion. The monumental Baha'i terraces which descend Mt Carmel, are a very remarkable sight in Haifa.

One of well-known churches of Haifa is Stella Maris. This monastery of the Carmelite order is a pilgrimage centre. In the church yard, there is a monument to Napoleon's soldiers (their hospital was located here). Across the road, there is a statue of Mary, which stands in front of so-called Abdallah Pasha's villa. From there you can walk down to Elija the Prophet's cave in the slope of Carmel.

Next to the Stella Maris church, there is a station of Haifa cable car. From there one descends directly to the beach, observing some of the downtown area through the cable car windows.

You can board the cable car at the lower station, Bat Galim, and reach Stella Maris without driving or walking along winding streets all the way up to the mountain.

Haifa University is also worth visiting. The 27-storeyed University tower stands on one of the peaks of Carmel. The upper level is specially designed for panoramic views. The tower is the upper part of a big complex, which includes a good museum.