Second Western Pilgrim House, Haifa
Located on Haparsim Street in Haifa, the second Western Pilgrim House is also known as "the old western pilgrim house". It was originally used as a Pilgrim House for Bahá’í Faith members who came for pilgrimage in the first half of the 20th century. The building is now part of the Bahá’í World Centre and is utilized by the Bahá’í International Community Secretariat and associated offices.
The wealthy American Bahá’í, Amelia Collins, paid for the construction of the house. She felt that the facilities at the previous Westerner's pilgrim house, located at 4 Haparsim, were inadequate. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá initiated the construction of the house, but it was only completed during the guardianship of Shoghi Effendi, the leader of the international Bahāʾī faith. Although it was initially used as a Pilgrim house for Westerners, it has been repurposed for various uses over the years.
Between 1951 to 1963, the house served as the headquarters for the International Bahá’í Council. From 1963 to 1983, it was the Seat of the Universal House of Justice. Between 1983 and 2000, it was occupied by the International Teaching Centre. Since 2005, it has been included in the pilgrimage run by the Bahá’í World Centre.
The wealthy American Bahá’í, Amelia Collins, paid for the construction of the house. She felt that the facilities at the previous Westerner's pilgrim house, located at 4 Haparsim, were inadequate. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá initiated the construction of the house, but it was only completed during the guardianship of Shoghi Effendi, the leader of the international Bahāʾī faith. Although it was initially used as a Pilgrim house for Westerners, it has been repurposed for various uses over the years.
Between 1951 to 1963, the house served as the headquarters for the International Bahá’í Council. From 1963 to 1983, it was the Seat of the Universal House of Justice. Between 1983 and 2000, it was occupied by the International Teaching Centre. Since 2005, it has been included in the pilgrimage run by the Bahá’í World Centre.
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Second Western Pilgrim House on Map
Sight Name: Second Western Pilgrim House
Sight Location: Haifa, Israel (See walking tours in Haifa)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Haifa, Israel (See walking tours in Haifa)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Haifa, Israel
Create Your Own Walk in Haifa
Creating your own self-guided walk in Haifa is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Haifa Introduction Walking Tour
Built in tiers extending from the Mediterranean up the north slope of Mount Carmel, the city of Haifa is a busy seaport and a key gateway to Israel.
The area of present-day Haifa has been inhabited since Biblical times, spanning in history more than 3,000 years. Throughout the millennia, it has changed hands numerous times, being conquered and ruled by various kingdoms and empires including the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
The area of present-day Haifa has been inhabited since Biblical times, spanning in history more than 3,000 years. Throughout the millennia, it has changed hands numerous times, being conquered and ruled by various kingdoms and empires including the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Bahai World Center Tour
The Bahai Faith is a monotheistic religion that stemmed from Shiʻa Islam in the 19th century. Since its emergence, the religion has spread its influence to many parts of the world, with its spiritual and administrative center established in Israel.
The Bahai World Centre in Haifa is a religious complex that comprises several buildings, the most notable of which is the Shrine of the Bab, a holy... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
The Bahai World Centre in Haifa is a religious complex that comprises several buildings, the most notable of which is the Shrine of the Bab, a holy... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles