Carmelites, Templars, Bahai, Elijah the Prophet, these are just some of the names that make Haifa a city rich in the history of harmony, where Jews and Arabs have lived peacfully for years.

Best known for the World Center of the Bahai faith and site of the new Bahai terrace gardens the city also boasts many churches and is the place where you can actually visit Elijah's Cave.

It is a shame that most people don't even put Haifa on their itinerary. It somehow doesn't have the draw that Jerusalem as the capital or Tel Aviv as the commercial and cosmopolitan center seem to have. In fact, over the years, it has been much maligned. It was known as the laborer's city (Ir Ha'Polaim), jokes were told about how the sidewalks were rolled-up early in the evening and there was nothing to do.

True, Haifa is more laid back, but therein lies much of the appeal of this city by the sea, built upon Mt. Carmel. This city of 240,000 is now home to many of Israel's high-tech firms and is still the only city with (limited) underground transportation - the Carmelit.

Haifa is divided into three primary sections, the older (lower) part, near the port, known in Hebrew as Ir Tachntit (downtown). The primary shopping area known as Hadar (short for Hadar HaCarmel) and Merkaz HaCarmel (typically referred to simply as the Carmel), which is home to more upscale residential areas, hotels etc.

Since the city is built on a mountain, one should really take advantage of some of the great lookout points, The Ursula Malbin Sculpture Garden, Yefe Nof Street and the Carmelite Church on Stella Maris Rd. (situated just above Elijah's Cave), come to mind. To get a great `feel' for Haifa that affords some wonderful views, try driving down Derech HaYam Street, from Merkaz HaCarmel (toward the beach area).

People tend to think of this city as being `way up North'. While it is in the northern part of the country - it is only an hour's drive from Tel Aviv and can serve as a great base for travels in the Galilee and beyond.

First time visitors to Haifa will find that this seemingly simple city, is not simple at all and one that could (and perhaps should) serve as model of tolerance. Returning visitors will find the new `hanging' Bahai terrace gardens, to be quite magnificent (see links Bahai Mt. Carmel project - for photo gallery).

The estimated cost of the terrace garden project is 260 million dollars. Scheduled for completion in June 2001 the gardens, shaped in nine concentric circles sprawl up the mountain for almost a kilometer (1093 yards).

Whether you like the beach, want to have a great picnic in the forests of the Carmel or take in some of Haifa's many sites, don't overlook this city. While many of its attractions are less well known, it really does have a lot to offer.