It was described by philosophers in the fourth century B.C. as sacred above all mountains. The Baha'is of Anchorage contributed to the building of the terraces and helped the Alaska group to attend the events. The 18 gardens of eucalyptus and gnarled olive trees, ivy and flowers bring to completion a century-old vision of the prophet Baha'u'llah. Followers of the Baha'i faith believe he was sent to lead humanity into an age of universal peace. The terraces cover about a half-mile up Mount Carmel, reaching a height of 738 feet.
Water flows down the sides of staircases and through a series of fountains.
Each terrace has three garden zones. The central area is formal, featuring lawns of zoysia grass, annual flower beds, santolina hedges, bushes and carefully pruned trees. Side zones are more informal, with flowering trees and perennial bushes. Wildflowers and bulbs blossom in profusion from December to April, while flowering trees and shrubs assume prominence during the spring and summer. Today there are 5 million Baha'is in the world scattered throughout the globe.