Haifa Israel Vacation

The Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery in Haifa is a 19th-century monastery located on the slopes of Mount Carmel. Overlooking a magnificent view of the sea, the church and the old lighthouse are known as “Stella Maris” - The star of the sea.

The monastery was built by the Carmelite order, whose monastic hermits used to inhabit the caves of this area in imitation of Elijah the Prophet. The Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery is the order’s international center.

At the entrance of the monastery above the door there’s the symbol of the Carmelite order depicting Mount Carmel with a cross and Elijah’s sword. The main entrance hall resembles a cross beneath a dome that is colorfully decorated with motives from the Old and New Testament.

After visiting the Carmelite Monastery you can stroll to the Stella Maris observation post, where a magnificent view of southern Haifa beaches below will be the perfect point to sit and relax as the sun sets on another lovely day of Haifa Israel vacation.