Original Western Pilgrim House, Haifa

Pilgrim House refers to a building where pilgrims received accommodation and hospitality during their pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Haifa has several buildings dedicated to this purpose, including the Western Pilgrim House, the Haifa Pilgrim House (also called the Eastern Pilgrim House), the Pilgrim Reception Centre, and the second Western Pilgrim House.

During the early 20th century, the original Western Pilgrim House on Haparsim Street in Haifa, which is now part of the Bahá’í World Centre, served as a Pilgrim House for members of the Bahá’í Faith from the Western region.

Initially rented for this purpose, the house was later purchased by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. After being replaced by the new Western Pilgrim House, the site was used by members of the Bahá’í holy family before being sold by the Bahá’í community. Eventually, the Universal House of Justice reacquired the property.