The Best Sight in Akko, Haifa and the Northern Coast

Background Illustration for Sights

The walled city of Old Akko is relatively small and the well-marked sights are close to one another, making it easy to tour. You approach the Old City on Weizmann Street (watch for signs that say Old Akko), proceeding through a breach in the walls. If driving, park in the large lot.

Baha'i Founder's Shrine and Gardens

For the Baha'is, this is the holiest place on Earth, the site of the tomb of the faith's prophet and founder, Baha'u'llah. The gardens' west gate is only open to Baha'is, so enter from the north (main) gate. Baha'u'llah lived in the red-tile mansion here after being released from jail in Akko, and he was buried in the small building next door, now the Shrine of Baha'u'llah. It's best to go on weekend mornings (Friday to Monday), when the inner gardens and shrine are open. Going through the black-iron gate, follow a white gravel path in the exquisitely landscaped gardens, with a fern-covered fountain and an observation point along the way, until you reach the shrine. Visitors are asked to dress modestly. The shrine is on Route 4, about 1 km (½ mile) north of the gas station at Akko's northern edge.