Akká is located on the coast of northern    Israel.  During Bahá'u'lláh's lifetime there were only two gates into the city.

The voyage to 'Akká was miserable for the Holy Family and they were denied food and water the first night they spent in the great prison inside the prison city.  They lived in this prison for over two years, yet gradually the city officials realized they were not terrible criminals.  The Bahá'ís were allowed to move out of the prison into some small houses in 'Akká but were still under government control.  At that time 'Akká had little, if any, planted vegetation, no running water, and it was a very vile place.  Through His exemplary attributes, Bahá'u'lláh became very well respected in 'Akká.  He was called on for advice by civil and ecclesiastic leaders and helped those citizens in need.  After seven years in 'Akká, the city officials encouraged Bahá'u'lláh to live in freedom.

Now 'Akká's conditions are much improved.  The city is home to many happy Israelis, a sacred place of pilgrimage to Bahá'ís, and a delightful place for tourism.  A walk through 'Akká will reveal many eras of architectural developments.  There is an underground crusader fortress, a beautiful mosque with an interior covered with vibrant colored stones, and houses with ornately carved and painted ceilings.  Some of the houses that were occupied by the Holy Family have been fully restored.  Pilgrims delight in visiting them not only for their spiritual significance but also for the opportunity to see the styles of Middle Eastern architecture from the turn of the century.

   Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh

'Akká is a glorious repository of history and culture for tourists, scholars, and Bahá'ís