BAHÁ’Í WORLD CENTRE — With group after group of representatives from Bahá’í communities around the world visiting Bahá’í Holy Places related to the lives of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá over the past two days, the spiritual atmosphere of the centenary gathering has heightened, setting the stage for the start of the formal program on Thursday.

The images below show visits of representatives to the prison where Bahá’u’lláh and His family were incarcerated; the House of ‘Abbúd in ‘Akká, where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá lived for over twenty years; ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s house in Haifa, where He passed away; and the International Bahá’í Archives.

Participants arrive at the house of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in Haifa where He resided in the last years of His life, before passing away here in the early hours of 28 November 1921.

A group of participants approaching the entrance to the house of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

Attendees have the opportunity to spend quiet moments in prayer and contemplation in the serene environs of the gardens at this Holy Place.

A group of participants pause to reflect just before their visit to the International Bahá’í Archives, which contains artefacts and relics associated directly with the lives of the Central Figures of the Bahá’í Faith.

Participants visiting the Archives building.

In a spirit of reverence, participants approach the entrance to the Archives building.

Attendees approaching the citadel where Bahá’u’lláh and His family were imprisoned for over two years following their arrival in ‘Akká in August 1868. During this time, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá cared for the sick and took responsibility for the welfare of their companions. The top image provides a historic view of the prison in 1907.

Groups of participants enter the area of the prison where Bahá’u’lláh and the other exiles were confined.

Participants gather and offer prayers at the spot where Mírzá Mihdí, one of Bahá’u’lláh’s sons, fell through a skylight on the roof and passed away.

In this collage, the left and top right images show the cell where Bahá’u’lláh was confined.

Participants visiting the House of ‘Abbúd, where Bahá’u’lláh and His family lived as exiles and under house arrest in extremely cramped conditions after their arrival at this location in 1871.

Participants at the House of ‘Abbúd.

Attendees returning to the courtyard of the House of ‘Abbúd as their visit comes to an end.

On the left is a historic view of the House of ‘Abbúd (c.1920s). On the right is a view of participants arriving at the house.

Among the Holy Places visited by participants is the Mansion of Bahjí, located next to the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá rented this house in September 1879 as a residence for His Father and other members of their family. Bahá’u’lláh would watch from the balcony to see His dearly loved son, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, arriving from ‘Akká.

Participants at the Monument Gardens in Haifa, which house the resting places of Navváb (the wife of Bahá’u’lláh), Mírzá Mihdí (the younger son of Bahá’u’lláh), Bahíyyih Khánum (the daughter of Bahá’u’lláh, left), and Munírih Khánum (the wife of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, right).

Participants visit the resting place of Amatu’l-Bahá Rúḥíyyih Khánum, the wife of Shoghi Effendi.