Shrine of the Báb, Haifa

The history of the Shrine of the Báb in Haifa, begins with the life and teachings of the Báb, the founder of the Bábí Faith and the herald of Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the Bahá'í Faith. The Báb, born Siyyid `Alí Muḥammad Shírází in 1819 in Shiraz, Iran, declared his mission in 1844 and quickly attracted a considerable following. His teachings, which emphasized spiritual and social renewal, were seen as a threat by the Iranian government and the religious establishment. Consequently, the Báb was imprisoned, and in 1850, he was executed by a firing squad.

Following the Báb's martyrdom, his remains were secretly preserved by his followers for several decades. In 1899, under the direction of `Abdu'l-Bahá, the eldest son of Bahá'u'lláh and the appointed leader of the Bahá'í Faith after Bahá'u'lláh's passing, the remains were finally brought to Haifa and placed in a temporary mausoleum on the slopes of Mount Carmel.

The construction of the Shrine of the Báb commenced in 1909 when Abdu'l-Bahá placed the sacred remains of the Báb in a specially built tomb within the shrine's foundation. The initial structure, which housed the tomb, was designed by Abdu'l-Bahá and completed in 1913.

The construction of the shrine continued under the guidance of Shoghi Effendi, `Abdu'l-Bahá's grandson, and the Guardian of the Bahá'í Faith. Shoghi Effendi enlisted the assistance of renowned Canadian architect William Sutherland Maxwell to design the superstructure, including the golden dome. The shrine was completed in 1953.

In 2008, the Shrine of the Báb, along with the surrounding Bahá'í Gardens, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its outstanding universal value and its significance to the Bahá'í Faith.

Tip:
You are not allowed to climb the steps back up, so keep in mind that at the end of your time here you can exit and a walk or taxi to your next destination.