The Israeli Wonder

With over 16,400 votes and many suggestions on the Channel 2 Facebook page, Stas Misezhnikov, the Israeli Minister of Tourism, declared the names of the winning sites in the Seven Wonders of Israel competition. The first place was won by the Baha’i Gardens in Haifa which were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2008. The second place was won by the Dead Sea, which also competes in the Seven Natural Wonders of the World competition. The Western Wall won the third place and next are Massada, the Coral Reef in Eilat, the Stalactites Cave and Caesarea.

The Seven Wonders of Israel Competition is a special enterprise by Channel 2 in cooperation with the Israeli Ministry of Tourism. In the first stage Internet users chose through the Facebook page of Channel 2 prominent sites, man made or natural, from all around the country, which represent Israel historically, culturally, geographically, geologically, architecturally and so on.

And for those who are still not familiar with the Israeli Wonder, the Baha’i Gardens are a magnificent complex of structures and gardens of the world center of the Baha’i Faith located on the slopes of Mount Carmel. The Baha’i Shrine is the most prominent and famous architectural monument in the city of Haifa and it has quickly become one of the city’s characteristic symbols. From the golden domed Baha’i Shrine there is a magnificent panoramic view of the city, the mountains of the Galilee region and the Mediterranean Sea and to both sides of the Shrine spread the Baha’i Gardens which are built out of 19 terraces of gardens, water fountains and walkways that are hanging from the top of the mountain and down to its base, and are sculptured into the mountain side. The hanging gardens create a pattern of colors and flowers which suits well the natural beauty of the Carmel and the sound of the flowing water covers the noise of the city. At the center of the Baha’i Gardens is the Shrine of the Ba'b, the resting place of the Prophet-Herald of the Baha’i Faith. Beside the Gardens, the complex includes also four structures arranged in the shape of an arch which include, the Seat of the Universal House of Justice, the Seat of the International Teaching Center, the Center for the Study of the Sacred Texts and the International Baha’i Archives.